Goal: Barça fear possible UEFA sanction over Negreira referee case

UEFA are keeping quiet about the 'Negreira case', but Barcelona are concerned about the measures they could take, according to Goal.com. The report indicates that Barça are growing fearful of a possible sanction that could affect their participation in European competitions in the 2023-24 season.

For now, UEFA has requested information from the integrity department of the Spanish Football Federation and is following the evolution of the case closely.

In its regulations, it has a clear rule on the right to veto a club "if an activity aimed at organising or influencing the outcome of a match at national or international level has been committed." Per Goal.com, article 4.02 would be the key.

This article details that UEFA can exercise a sanction "effective only for one football season" and that they can rely on "the decision of a national or international sports body, an arbitral tribunal or a state court, but is not obliged to do so."

Therefore, UEFA may "not select" a club to play in European competitions, based on the decision of a court, but is not obliged to do so.

UEFA can also take disciplinary measures in accordance with its disciplinary regulations. In its rules, it stresses the obligation to "refrain from any conduct which damages or is likely to damage the integrity of competitions" and to always cooperate with UEFA.

In Spain, as stated in the Law on Sport, the facts so far reported are already time-barred and an administrative sanction would not be possible. However, UEFA's timetable is different and it can act at any time.

The Goal.com report suggests that Barça fear reprisals for their position in favour of the Super League and that they could face UEFA in court.