The Negreira scandal intensifies as two former Barcelona managers gear up to provide crucial testimony in the investigation.
The case, which has stirred controversy in Spanish football, recently saw testimonies from key figures, and the court is now preparing for another critical round of hearings.
Scheduled for December 12, 2025, after a postponement from November due to scheduling conflicts, the upcoming testimonies are expected to shed further light on the extent of Barcelona’s involvement during the period under scrutiny.
According to Marca, Barcelona president Joan Laporta, along with former managers Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde, have been summoned to testify before Judge Alejandra Gil.
Laporta, who served as president during the initial period of the alleged payments to Enriquez Negreira, will appear as a witness, not a defendant, as charges against him have been dismissed.
Luis Enrique, currently a leading candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year, and Valverde, now at Athletic Club, are called due to their roles as Barcelona head coaches during the years in question.
The court aims to determine whether they were aware of or utilized referee analysis reports allegedly provided by Negreira, and if these influenced match preparations.
The case has already seen testimonies from former presidents Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, alongside other club officials like Oscar Grau and Albert Soler, as well as Negreira’s wife and son.
The focus on Enrique and Valverde underscores the investigation’s depth, probing whether Barcelona’s coaching staff benefited from any improper influence.
As the December hearings approach, the football world awaits clarity on a saga that continues to challenge Barcelona’s reputation, with Laporta and the former managers’ testimonies potentially pivotal in resolving lingering questions.
As the Negreira case progresses, the testimonies of Laporta, Enrique, and Valverde could prove critical in unraveling the truth behind Barcelona’s controversial past.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
