Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reintegrated that the Spanish giants have never “bought referees” amid investigations into payments made to a former refereeing chief over several years.

The Catalan side reportedly paid $6.9 million to a company owned by Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, a former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) in Spain, between 2001 and 2018 for what they claimed was advice on refereeing matters.

Spanish prosecutors are investigating the payments, and El Pais reported on Tuesday that the club will be charged with “continued sporting corruption.”

“Let it be clear Barca have never bought referees and Barca have never had the intention of buying referees, absolutely never,” said Laporta at an event in Barcelona.

“The forcefulness of the facts contradicts those who try to change the story. We are doing well again — nothing is chance.”

Laporta previously criticized La Liga president Javier Tebas for a “campaign” against him, and he implied as much once more.

“There is a campaign to damage Barça’s interests,” continued Laporta.

“It is a campaign aimed at controlling the club. La Liga does not accept that Barça did not sign the contract with CVC (a collective media rights deal).”

Laporta stated that he was considering extending coach Xavi Hernandez’s contract, as the team currently leads La Liga by nine points and is on track to win their first league title since 2019. Existing Xavi contract expires in June 2024.

“He’s a man who doesn’t stretch his arm out beyond his sleeve, he doesn’t ask for crazy things and he understands the club’s (financial) situation, I have considered Xavi’s renewal,” said Laporta.

In addition, the president stated that Barcelona is looking to sign more players this summer, as the club was able to make substantial investments last year by, among other means, selling a portion of its future television rights.

“Barca will have to sign a full-back, certainly, and a centre-back if there is a good opportunity,” added Laporta.

“Surely a striker, yes, but somebody will have to leave. We have a good midfield and we also have a youth academy with players who will make it to the first team.

“Xavi also has to do this, to promote young players. One more striker would fit, but financially we don’t have unlimited resources like a ‘state-club’. We must be prudent.”

Photo by EPA/Alejandro Garcia