Real Madrid youth team coach Alvaro Arbeloa has accused Barcelona of being at the centre of what he called the “biggest scandal in the history of Spanish football”, as the long-running Negreira case continues to dominate discussion in Spain.
Arbeloa, a former Madrid and Spain defender, spoke out in strong terms about the allegations surrounding payments made by Barcelona to companies linked to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of the Spanish referees’ committee (CTA). The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In his comments, Arbeloa insisted the situation has damaged the credibility of the competition and demanded clarity over the case, describing it as the most serious controversy Spanish football has faced.
The Negreira investigation has been ongoing since it emerged that Barcelona made payments over a number of years to firms connected to the former refereeing official. Prosecutors have alleged the money was linked to influencing refereeing decisions, while Barcelona’s position has been that the payments were for technical reports and consultancy work.
Arbeloa’s remarks add to the growing list of figures connected to Real Madrid who have criticised Barcelona over the affair, as the fallout continues to be felt across La Liga and Spanish football.
