UEFA could sanction Barcelona apart from suspension over corruption allegations

• The corruption allegations facing Barcelona is taking a new twist with Barcelona President pulling in Real Madrid
• Barcelona are accused of paying match officials in the past to favour La Liga matches on their behalf
• UEFA is investigating the case and could end up suspending Barcelona from its competitions
• Furthermore, UEFA might take the sanctioning route as a punishment to the La Liga leaders

Barcelona president Joan Laporta launched a difficult defence in the ‘Negreira case’ on Monday morning.

He assaulted Real Madrid, and they responded forcefully. He also mentioned UEFA and the potential penalties. Nobody from Nyon will respond, at least for the time being, and if anyone does, it will be President Aleksander Ceferin himself, as he did weeks ago.

Taking his address to a condition remote from reality, the president spoke of favourable feelings transmitted from UEFA, as he had avoided the trap created by Javier Tebas.

“The inputs I have from the UEFA investigation is that they will pronounce themselves when we are judged. As I am convinced that Barcelona will be exonerated of any criminal responsibility, it is clear to me that we will continue as normal,” Laporta said.

READ: Barcelona could miss Champions League over corruption charge

Laporta is the first to realize that this is not the case and that UEFA’s decision has nothing to do with any court judgement. It is a matter of eligibility as defined by the rules of their tournament and upheld by numerous Court of Sport (CAS) awards.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin confirmed UEFA is investigating the alleged corruption cases pitting Barcelona. | PHOTO: Athletic |

That moment will arrive in June, and everyone at the La Liga leaders is aware that their participation in the upcoming Champions League is in peril. What the president intends to say is a different issue.

ALSO READ: Real Madrid hit back at Barcelona and Joan Laporta

Barcelona sanctioning route for Barcelona

Furthermore, UEFA sought to start another sanctioning path, which is the file that began in March and is currently being investigated. They do not require a sentence to impose punishment on the Catalans.

That moment will arrive when teams apply to compete in UEFA competitions next season. Barcelona could appeal and possibly move to the CAS if they are not chosen, but the awards in favour of comparable sentences do not inspire confidence in the Catalan club.

In any case, by opening the file, UEFA has sped up the investigations and avoided having to wait until June to begin them, with Barcelona’s request to participate in the next Champions League on the table.