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The president of UEFA, Alexander Ceferin, stated that the situation with “Barcelona” is extremely serious. The Catalans are being investigated for payments to the former vice-president of the judicial commission in Spain, Henriques Negreira. Barcelona did not risk punishment in La Liga because of the statute of limitations, but the prosecutor’s office opened an investigation.
The European Football Association is also investigating, with the possibility of the club being kicked out of the Champions League.
“I cannot comment directly for two reasons. First – there is an independent disciplinary commission looking into the case. And second – I have not looked into the matter in detail. However, I can say something. I have become somewhat acquainted and I can say that the situation is extremely serious. One of the most serious I have ever seen in football. At the La Liga level, the matter is closed, but the procedures continue at the prosecutor’s level. And as far as UEFA is concerned, nothing is clear,” Ceferin told the Slovenian newspaper ” Team”.
Asked if the club would be punished and if there would be sporting consequences, he said: “I can’t and don’t want to answer that.”
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Barcelona is one of three clubs still supporting the Super League project, along with Real Madrid and Juventus. Ceferin thinks there is no chance the tournament will start.
“Apparently they’re still trying to do something, but in my opinion they’re just trying to improve their position to negotiate with us. They haven’t fully realized that there’s nothing to negotiate with. Still, ego plays a role and that’s why they’re still trying something. Over the years, they’ve gotten used to everyone nodding in agreement, but that story is over, there’s no doubt,” Ceferin added.