PRESIDENT OF BARCELONA ADDRESSES THE CLAIMS THAT REFEREES WERE BRIBED

Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, has insisted that the team, "never bought referees or influence."

Following the disclosure of payments made to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice president of the refereeing committee, Laporta made his remarks.

Between 2001 and 2018, Barca paid Negreira's company over €7 million.

A tax office examination into Negreira's profits focuses on the €1.4 million in payments made between 2016 and 2018.

Laporta at first asserted that the funds were for, "technical reports on refereeing."

He stated once more on Tuesday that Barcelona did not cover any additional costs.

"We will give a news conference on it soon. But Barca never bought referees or influence. That was never the intention and that has to be clear. The facts contradict those that are trying to tell a different story," Laporta said.