FC Barcelona is facing further turmoil as the investigation into the match-fixing scandal involving the club takes a new turn with a raid conducted at the premises of the Spanish arbitration authority, located within the Spanish Football Federation.
In this case, Barcelona is exposed to serious consequences, including the potential dissolution of the club. The Barcelona court handling the case has ordered the search at the headquarters of the Technical Committee of Referees, located in Las Rozas, near Madrid. Barcelona FC, along with two of its former presidents, Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, have been accused by Barcelona judge Joaquín Aguirre of corruption.
Since March, José Maria Enriquez Negreira and his son have also been charged with « corruption » in this case. According to The Telegraph, if found guilty, they all face sentences ranging from three to six years in prison.
Regarding criminal penalties, Barcelona could face sanctions ranging from the suspension of its activities to complete dissolution as an entity. The latter scenario would likely place Barcelona in a state of bankruptcy.
Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, had previously explained in April that the sporting aspects of the case were time-barred, preventing any action. However, on the criminal side, more severe measures are possible. La Liga has also become a civil party in this case.
