Britain’s “Telegraph” said on the 18th (Korea Standard Time), “Chairman Laporta was indicted on charges of bribery by the prosecution in connection with the referee scandal that swept Barcelona. Barcelona, two former presidents and executives have been involved in criminal proceedings over allegations that they paid an illegal price to Jose Maria Enriquez Negrara, the former vice chairman of Spain’s refereeing committee.
The reason why Laporta was indicted seems to have a great relationship with the so-called Negray Gate case. Negrata Gate refers to allegations that Barcelona’s leadership illegally handed over more than 10 billion won in cash to Negrira, who was vice chairman of the judging committee from the early 2000s to the late 2010s.
The money paid by Barcelona is believed to have been used as funds for a company run by Vice Chairman Negrilla. In return, Negrara’s son reportedly shared information on referee assignments to Barcelona in advance. 스포츠토토
After the news was reported, many clubs in Spain’s La Liga called for a thorough investigation. Barcelona is claiming that although it is true that the money was paid to Negrilla, it was not paid in return to bring advantage in the judgment. In addition, there is no evidence yet that Negrira was directly involved in the referee’s decision, so an investigation is ongoing.
Spanish prosecutors indicted Laporta, former chairman Sandro Rossell, and former chairman Joseph Maria Bartomeu on charges of corruption, sports fraud, unfair administration, and false documentation. In the first indictment, Spanish prosecutors determine that LaPorta is suspected of charges, with a statute of limitations of 10 years. Therefore, even if it turns out that Laporta really committed a crime, legal punishment is impossible because he served as Barcelona’s chairman from 2003 to 2010.
However, the statute of limitations for the bribery charges filed this time is 15 years. If it turns out that Chairman Laporta has taken bribes since 2008, punishment is possible.
Regarding this, the British ‘Telegraph’ said, “The defendant could potentially be sentenced if convicted. Barcelona itself could also be suspended from the tournament. This is almost certain to mean the bankruptcy of the club, which already has 1.5 billion euros (about 2.14 trillion won). Those charged in the Negraygate case deny all charges,” he added.