Real Madrid has taken a firm stance against FC Barcelona in recent months, particularly regarding the investigation into payments allegedly made to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. Florentino Perez has openly criticised the Blaugrana, while the club’s legal team questioned Joan Laporta during his testimony. Additionally, Madrid sought access to audit reports and financial records pertaining to the period under scrutiny, but this request was denied by the presiding judge.
According to journalist Ramon Alvarez, individuals at the helm of Real Madrid firmly believe that UEFA will soon impose penalties on the Catalan club. Although the European football governing body had previously paused its disciplinary action, there is an air of confidence in Madrid that the case will soon be reopened. The belief is that significant repercussions for their long-time rival are a strong possibility.
The journalist highlights that a definitive court ruling is not necessary to sanction Barcelona. The mere acknowledgment of certain payments being made could serve as enough grounds for UEFA to take action.
Potential penalties could include restrictions on player registrations or even a ban from European competitions for a period ranging from one to ten years. The severity of the punishment would depend on the perceived gravity of the transgressions. In recent months, Barcelona has worked to rebuild its relationship with UEFA and ECA, a move potentially influenced by its withdrawal, alongside Real Madrid, from the Super League project.
As of now, no formal decisions have been reached. In Madrid, there is a strong belief that the case will return to UEFA’s agenda and result in severe penalties for Blaugrana.