Judge denies Real Madrid request to extend Negreira case investigation

A judge at Barcelona’s Investigating Court No. 1 has rejected a request from Real Madrid to extend the investigation into payments made to former Technical Committee of Referees vice-president Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. Real Madrid, supported by the prosecution, had sought an additional six-month extension beyond the September 1 expiration date. The presiding judge determined an extension was unnecessary because two upcoming witness hearings were already scheduled prior to the deadline. Gerard Lopez and a former reserve-team delegate, Antonio A., are expected to testify in November. While the preliminary investigation period has concluded, the case remains active as the Barcelona Provincial Court continues to review additional investigative measures requested by Real Madrid. The ongoing legal matter involves payments totaling €7.3 million made by Barcelona between 2001 and 2018.

• 1:40 PMYahoo Sports — Boost for Barcelona as judge rejects Real Madrid request to further extend Negreira case investigation
• 1:40 PMYahoo Sports — Judge rejects Real Madrid’s six-month extension request in Barcelona Negreira case