In an official statement, UEFA have confirmed that Barcelona will be provisionally admitted to participate in the Champions League for 2023/24, with their investigation into the Negreira case now suspended.
UEFA had launched an investigation into the allegations that were levelled against the Blaugrana over the payments made to former vice-president of the Referees’ Committee, Enriquez Negreira.
It was alleged that the Catalan giants had made payments to Negreira to influence match officials, but there was no evidence found supporting those claims.
Barça have always maintained that the payments had been made in exchange for scout reports on young players in Spain and referees.
Given the serious nature of the allegations, UEFA proceeded to begin an investigation into the matter, but it has been clear for a while now that Barcelona will not be sanctioned and prohibited from participating in European competitions.
Now, an official confirmation of the same has arrived, with the UEFA Appeals Body giving Barcelona the go-ahead over their participation in the UCL.
“The proceedings concerning the admission of FC Barcelona to the 2023/2024 UEFA club competitions are suspended and may be resumed, ex officio, or at the request of the Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors (EDIs) in charge of the case.
“FC Barcelona is provisionally admitted to take part in the 2023/2024 UEFA club competitions. A future decision on admission/exclusion from the UEFA club competitions is reserved.”
The statement from UEFA further states that Barça will need to keep the Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors (EDIs) informed of the progress of the ongoing investigations and to provide all the documents and information requested.
The EDIs have been invited continue their investigation into the case and file a report if they consider that the admission/exclusion of FC Barcelona should be assessed.
With Barcelona’s entry into the Champions League now guaranteed, it would also mean a major financial boost for the club over the course of the coming season.
Having crashed out of the group stages in the last two seasons, Joan Laporta, Xavi, and the squad have made it a top objective to taste success in the competition.
