According to the Cadena Ser radio station, the club transferred a total of almost 1.4 million euros to the account of a company belonging to the then vice-president of the CTA referees committee, José Marío Enríquez. The money was allegedly paid for consulting services. Representatives of Barcelona and Enríquez admitted the payments in their statements, but denied that they were bribes.
Already in February, the president of the Spanish football league, Javier Tebas, ruled out that Barcelona would face punishment on the sports field. Even if proven guilty, cases older than three years are time-barred under the guidelines. But he did not rule out possible prosecution in a civil court.
According to Spanish media, the public prosecutor’s office launched an investigation a few months ago due to suspicions of corruption between private individuals. However, no official charges have yet been filed.
Former Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu is responsible for the payments. The current head of the Catalan club, Joan Laporta, who otherwise tends to be very critical of Bartomeu, defended his predecessor. According to him, the use of consulting services is common. Barcelona coach Xavi also expressed himself in this spirit.
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