• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here
Law

Prosecutors Investigating Barcelona Over Ref Bribery Allegations

  • Barcelona and its former president are now subject to a probe by Spanish prosecutors regarding referee bribery allegations.
  • Its current and other former presidents will be summoned as witnesses.
A view of the FC Barcelona stadium
FC Barcelona

The Barcelona referee scandal isn’t going away anytime soon. 

Spanish prosecutors have expanded the purview of the case to involve not just the refereeing official Barca is accused of bribing, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, but also the team itself and former president Josep Maria Bartomeu. 

Former presidents Joan Gaspart and Sandro Rosell, as well as current president Joan Laporta, will be summoned as witnesses. However, they can’t face charges due to expired statutes of limitations.

Laporta, who ran the club from 2003-10, took over again in 2020, when Bartomeu resigned amid tax fraud allegations.

Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy kicks the ball ahead of Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.
exclusive

La Liga North America Adds Panini to $12M Partnerships Portfolio

It’s Panini’s first-ever gaming deal with a sports league.
March 1, 2023

Barca paid Negreira’s firm at least $7.4 million for referee consulting and other services from 2001-18. Both the team and Negreira have denied that the payments were to influence refereeing. Negreira sat on La Liga’s refereeing committee until 2018. 

Last month, it was revealed that Spanish referee Xavier Estrada Fernandez filed a criminal lawsuit against Negreira and his son, alleging sporting fraud.

Barcelona enjoyed a 78-game streak, ending in 2018, in which opposing teams were not awarded a single penalty kick — though Barca was given at least 32 during that period. The club also had a stretch of at least 28 games in which players weren’t given a single red card.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

After Heavy Pushback, LaLiga’s Controversial Miami Match Canceled

Hard Rock Stadium was set to host Barcelona-Villarreal on Dec. 20.
Hansi Flick

Barcelona Players, Coach ‘Not Happy’ About Miami Game

La Liga is on the verge of relocating a December match.

Barcelona, AC Milan Abroad? Fan Groups Reject Travel Plans

Supporter groups warn of a “Pandora’s box” if overseas games happen.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
Terry Rozier

NBA Strongly Denies Quietly Suspending Terry Rozier in 2023

Brian Windhorst appeared to walk back his comments Friday morning.
Chicago Bulls
October 23, 2025

NBA Betting Scandal Goes Far Beyond Terry Rozier and Damon Jones

A federal indictment suggests information about several teams was being sold.
Rozier
October 23, 2025

Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups Will Fight Gambling Cases

Both disputed prosecutors’ versions of events Thursday night.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Billups
October 23, 2025

Chauncey Billups Played Key Role in Elaborate Poker Fraud, FBI Says

Billups and Jones attracted victims to play rigged games, the FBI says.
LeBron James
October 23, 2025

Read the Terry Rozier ‘NBA Insider Trading’ Indictment

Rozier and Damon Jones are accused of selling inside information.
Chauncey Billups
October 23, 2025

Read the Chauncey Billups ‘Rigged’ Poker Indictment

Billups is accused of involvement in a rigged poker game.
Oct 16, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups gives instructions to his team during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center.
October 23, 2025

Chauncey Billups Is Rare Pro Coach Involved in Gambling Scandal

The recent string of gambling scandals have centered on athletes.