The document that the arbitrators are signing to show their “rejection” of the Negreira Case

The First and Second Division referees have drawn up a joint document to show its “strongest rejection” before the information that is appearing about the payments of FC Barcelona to the former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. The document still subject to modifications, to which EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA, from the Prensa Ibérica group, has had first access, is also being signed by retired arbitrators, but active during the period of the events under investigation, between 2001 and 2018.

This letter will be presented at a press conference that the CTA will offer this Thursday, together with the general secretary of the RFEF, Andreu Camps, and which will be attended by “the entire refereeing establishment”, as reported by the Federation, and to which Numerous retired referees are also being invitedas they have been able to confirm this newspaper.

In the text, dated March 2, 2023, the day of the press conference in Las Rozas, and whose content could still vary until then, the referees show their “strongest rejection of events of this type” and “absolute willingness” to appear “before the instances that are necessary to clarify everything related to this matter”.

“Also, we want to convey that We are the first interested in ensuring that justice continues its course and that responsibilities are cleared. The alleged individual actions of a person who at the time was part of our institution cannot stain our image and honor in this harmful way,” continues the statement that is being circulated among current and past members.

“Hand in hand with the RFEF”

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They clarify in the text that they will act “with the utmost forcefulness”, acting “always hand in hand with the CTA and the RFEF”. As reported to this newspaper by the arbitration sources consulted, the signing of the document is being massive both by the current referees and those of past times and a large influx is expected at the press conference in Las Rozas on Thursday to give an image of unity in rejecting the practices of Enríquez Negreira.

So far, the only pronouncement of the arbitration body has been made by Xavier Estrada Fernández, a VAR referee currently and active as a field judge during part of the period investigated. The Catalan referee has decided to sue the former vice president of the CTA for alleged sports corruption.