Amid Allegations Of Referee Bribery, Barcelona Can Still Play In The Champions League

Barcelona can still play in the Champions League even though it is still being investigated for alleged bribery. (Photo: Twitter/@FCBarcelona)

JAKARTA - Barcelona can still appear in the Champions League next season. In fact, UEFA is still investigating the alleged bribery case committed by Barcelona. Previously, Barcelona stumbled upon a suspected bribery case against the former vice president of the Spanish Referee Committee, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. During the 2001-2018 period, the Blaugrana reportedly sent money to a company owned by Negreira amounting to 7.3 million euros.

Quoted from Marca on Friday, July 28, what was alleged against Barcelona was allegedly a bribery attempt so that the referee would side with this Katalan team. This case is being handled at the Spanish Prosecutor's Office.

UEFA as the European football body also took part in this investigation as a form of anticipation of its influence on other matches in Europe. Because this case, the Blaugrana was even threatened with sanctions in the form of a ban on competing in the 2023/2024 Champions League.

However, sources said UEFA still allowed Barcelona to appear in the 2023/2024 Champions League. However, investigations into alleged bribery will continue.

As a definite effort, UEFA asked Barcelona to cooperate and be open during the investigation. Because sanctions can still be given to Barcelona if the results of the investigation prove they are guilty.

"The process related to the entry of FC Barcelona into the suspended UEFA 2023/2024 club competition can be continued, ex-officio, or at the request of the Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) who is responsible for the case," reads UEFA's statement.

"FC Barcelona is temporarily allowed to take part in the UEFA 2023/2024 club competition. The decision to enter/or not in the UEFA club competition in the future has been determined," the statement continued.