UCL: UEFA takes decision on Barcelona’s participation over ref scandal

UEFA on Thursday, confirmed Barcelona’s place in next season’s Champions League.

The governing body, however, made it clear that an investigation into more than $7million paid to a referee could be reopened if more evidence emerges.

Barca won the LaLiga title last season and their spot in the competition could have been at risk from the ‘Caso Negreira scandal’.

Court documents revealed that the Catalans paid €7.3m ($7.7m) from 2001 to 2018 to the company of the former vice president of Spain’s football refereeing committee, José María Enríquez Negreira.

UEFA have now said Barcelona is now “provisionally admitted to take part” in the Champions League, though a “future decision on admission/exclusion” is still possible. The Champions League group-stage draw is on August 31