Spain’s Clasico is without doubt one of the international’s greatest carrying events, pitting giants Barcelona and Real Madrid head-to-head, however the build-up to Sunday’s La Liga conflict has been overshadowed by way of “Caso Negreira”.
Barca were charged with corruption by way of Spanish prosecutors for bills between 2001 and 2018 to the corporate of former refereeing leader Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, totaling round 7.3 million euros ($7.8 million).
The membership say they have been paying for experiences and recommendation on refereeing however prosecutors have accused the membership of in quest of to achieve favorable decision-making from officers.
Charges have been filed final week in opposition to Barcelona, former vp of Spain’s refereeing committee (CTA), Negreira, and two former Barcelona presidents, Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, amongst others.
Although La Liga leaders Barcelona can just about clinch the name in the event that they beat second-place Real Madrid on Sunday to transport 12 issues transparent, headlines stay ruled by way of the Negreira case, with tensions emerging round Spain.
In the primary spherical of fixtures after Barcelona have been charged final weekend, at more than a few stadiums there was once a type of protest in opposition to the intended corruption scandal.
It was once clearest within the Basque nation, the place Xavi Hernandez’s aspect confronted Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Supporters threw mock cash onto the pitch with “mafia” published on it, along side Barcelona’s membership brand.
“I was surprised at the hostile atmosphere towards Barca, it was sad to see,” stated Xavi after his crew’s slim 1-0 win.
“(Barca) are being judged prematurely, which I don’t think is good for society.”
After Barcelona’s bills to Negreira’s corporate have been unearthed in February, the membership answered briefly and denied any wrongdoing.
President Joan Laporta stated the membership had ordered an exterior investigation and would offer solutions as briefly as they might.
However, they’ve no longer scheduled a information convention to reply to questions at the factor and their silence has been criticized by way of La Liga president Javier Tebas.
“Yes (It’s the worst moment) that I remember,” Tebas informed Movistar channel Vamos on Tuesday.
“The downside that we’ve got is the worst. There are bills known by way of Barcelona to the vice-president of the CTA, that is one thing atypical.
“It’s understandable that tension has been generated. The reputation of our football is at stake. I am ashamed. We have no explanation from Barcelona.”
Playing the sufferer
Laporta did talk at a luncheon match with the Equestrian Circle in Barcelona and stated there was once a “campaign” to break Barcelona’s pursuits.
“Let it be clear Barca have never bought referees and Barca have never had the intention of buying referees, absolutely never,” stated the president.
Some, together with Tebas, have criticized Laporta and Barcelona for enjoying the sufferer.
Last Sunday Real Madrid joined the lawsuits in opposition to Barca as an “injured party”, along side the CTA, Spanish soccer federation, La Liga and Spain’s nationwide sports activities council.
Barcelona is not going to host the standard administrators’ lunch with Real Madrid and their president Florentino Perez forward of the Clasico consequently, in line with Spanish experiences.
After a length of slightly pleasant members of the family between the 2 golf equipment — each participating at the failed breakaway European Super League plan — it marks a cooling.
However, Perez was once underneath force from supporters tough Madrid take motion in opposition to Barcelona.
Tebas spoke once more on Thursday, announcing he didn’t suppose Barcelona had “bought referees” however he additionally stated that “hiding is not the way” and the membership had to supply complete solutions.
The league’s president reiterated that no carrying punishment will also be passed right down to Barcelona because the alleged infringements came about too way back.
Laporta took to social media on Friday to check out and switch consideration against the Clasico, requesting the lovers’ improve greater than ever because the membership closes in on their first La Liga name since 2019.
“We will defend ourselves and we will attack, but now I want us to concentrate on cheering the team on,” stated Laporta.
“We shouldn’t have our attention diverted by other things. Let’s support Barca because we love them.”
