Real Madrid claims it has evidence of Barcelona bribery in the Negreira case and has formally written to UEFA over referee payments

Spanish giants Real Madrid have claimed they possess evidence linking rivals FC Barcelona to alleged bribery of referees in the ongoing Negreira case.

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The club made the allegation in a formal letter sent to UEFA, escalating one of the most controversial legal disputes in Spanish football history.

The Negreira case involves investigations into payments reportedly worth more than €7.3 million allegedly made by Barcelona to companies linked to former Spanish refereeing committee vice president José María Enríquez Negreira between 2001 and 2018.

Barcelona have consistently denied wrongdoing, insisting the payments were for legitimate technical and refereeing consultancy services.

However, Real Madrid claimed in its letter that it has evidence suggesting long-term and opaque payments lacking verifiable justification.

The club argued that the alleged arrangement raises serious concerns about sporting integrity, neutrality, and competitive fairness within Spanish football.

Real Madrid further urged UEFA to resume disciplinary proceedings previously opened in relation to the matter, describing the situation as a threat to the credibility of the sport.

The club also called for firm and immediate action, stressing that ongoing judicial proceedings should not prevent sporting authorities from addressing potential regulatory breaches.

Real Madrid, which is also participating as a private accuser in the criminal proceedings in Spain, said it will continue to pursue all available legal and sporting avenues.

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The dispute continues to generate intense debate across European football, with both clubs maintaining firm positions as investigations proceed.