Barcelona and Sevilla cut their corporate relations
In the 8th week of the Spanish La Liga, Barcelona defeated Sevilla 1-0 in their home match, but the controversy between the two clubs overshadowed the match more than football itself.
Following allegations that Barcelona had made attempts to obtain information about referees by entering into an agreement with a company, an investigating judge accused Barcelona and some former club presidents of "giving bribes for personal gain." In response to these accusations, Sevilla took a stand against Barcelona. Sevilla Club President Jose Castro and some officials did not attend the pre-match lunch usually hosted by the home team for the visiting team’s officials. They also watched the match from among the fans instead of the honor tribune at the Olimpic Lluis Companys Stadium.
Before the match, Sevilla made a written statement, announcing that it had suspended its protocol relations with Barcelona due to the accusations against the club in the so-called "Negreira incident" and criticizing Barcelona for its attitude in the investigation. In response, Barcelona also announced that it had cut its corporate relations with Sevilla. In a written statement, Barcelona accused Sevilla of making an "unacceptable, unjust, and groundless attack on Barcelona and Catalan institutions" and argued that "an ongoing judicial process should not be used as an excuse for such actions."
Negreira Incident:
While the Spanish Tax Authority was investigating Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, former Deputy Chairman of the Refereeing Technical Committee, for tax evasion, it was revealed that Barcelona had paid a total of 7.3 million euros to Negreira’s company DASNIL 95 SL between 2001 and 2018. Although the current Barcelona management denied all allegations, an investigation was initiated against Negreira, as well as Jose Maria Bartomeu, Sandro Rosell, and two other former Barcelona officials, on charges of corruption in sports, irregularities in club management, and the issuance of counterfeit commercial documents at the Barcelona Court. As part of the investigation, a search was conducted at the offices of the Referees Technical Committee (CTA), which is affiliated with the Spanish Football Federation. The judge concluded that while Barcelona did not buy referees, the payments made by the club could be considered as bribes since they resulted in personal gain.
Barcelona Wins with Sergio Ramos’ Own Goal:
On the other hand, Barcelona defeated Sevilla 1-0 in their home match with a goal scored by Sergio Ramos in the 76th minute. Barcelona, who remains unbeaten in the league, rose to the top of the standings with 20 points, albeit with a game in hand. Raphinha, who suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg and could not continue playing, is expected to be out for at least a month. Girona, in second place with 19 points, will face Real Madrid (third place with 18 points) at home on September 30th.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the allegations of corruption between Barcelona and Sevilla has led to the suspension of their corporate relations. While both clubs continue to compete on the football field, the legal process and investigations will determine the outcome of these accusations.
ÖZET:
– Barcelona defeated Sevilla 1-0 in their home match in the 8th week of La Liga.
– A controversy emerged when it was alleged that Barcelona had entered into an agreement with a company to obtain information about referees.
– An investigating judge accused Barcelona and some former club presidents of giving bribes for personal gain.
– In response to the accusations, Sevilla suspended its protocol relations with Barcelona and criticized the club’s attitude in the investigation.
– Barcelona also announced that it had cut its corporate relations with Sevilla, accusing them of making unjust and groundless attacks on the club.
– The controversy stems from the “Negreira incident,” where it was revealed that Barcelona had paid 7.3 million euros to a company owned by a former Deputy Chairman of the Refereeing Technical Committee.
– The judge concluded that while Barcelona did not buy referees, the payments made by the club could be considered as bribes.
– On the football front, Barcelona won the match against Sevilla with a goal scored by Sergio Ramos’ own goal.
– Barcelona remains unbeaten in the league and rose to the top of the standings with 20 points.
– The legal process and investigations will determine the outcome of the corruption allegations between Barcelona and Sevilla.
