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FC Barcelona Under Investigation in Alleged Bribery Case

FC Barcelona is facing a bribery investigation involving current and former executives. The focus is on payments to José María Enríquez Negreira, a prominent figure in Spanish refereeing. Recent searches at the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) headquarters have added intrigue. As the club remains silent, the scandal unfolds, rocking Spanish soccer.

Published

12 months ago

September 29, 2023

Caca Anttunes

FC Barcelona Under Investigation in Alleged Bribery Case

The headquarters of the Spanish football federation were searched on Thursday. – Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images

Contents hide

1 A Closer Look at the Barcelona Scandal

1.1 Focus of the Investigation

1.2 Allegations of Improper Payments

1.3 Reactions from Key Figures last investigation

A Closer Look at the Barcelona Scandal

FC Barcelona and several current and former club executives are now officially under investigation as suspects in what is being referred to as “the sustained crime of active bribery.” This revelation comes from a court document obtained by CNN, marking the latest development in a scandal involving improper payments that has cast a shadow over Spanish soccer.

Focus of the Investigation

This investigation revolves around alleged improper payments made by Barcelona to José María Enríquez Negreira, a former prominent figure in Spanish refereeing circles.

On a recent Thursday morning, members of Spain’s Civil Guard conducted a search at the headquarters of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in connection with this case, according to a statement from a Guardia Civil spokesperson provided to CNN.

While the spokesperson declined to share specific details about the search, it was made clear that no arrests are expected at this stage.

A source from FC Barcelona informed CNN that the club currently has no official statement regarding the ongoing investigation. However, they emphasized that the club’s legal team has considered all potential legal outcomes, including the club being named as a suspect, and is actively working on that basis.

Earlier this year, prosecutors filed an official complaint in a Barcelona court, alleging that the club was involved in “continued corruption between individuals in the sports field.” This case has become known as the Caso Negreira or “the Negreira case” within Spanish soccer circles.

Allegations of Improper Payments

Prosecutors have alleged that several current and former club officials were aware of payments totaling over €7 million (nearly $7.4 million), invoiced to two companies founded by Negreira. Negreira served as a CTA vice president from 1993 to 2018. According to prosecutors, these payments were made “on behalf and for the direct benefit of Barcelona.”

The CTA is the governing body responsible for selecting referees and assistants for league and national competitive matches in Spain.

According to the official complaint filed by the prosecutor in March of this year, the club is accused of entering into a “strictly confidential verbal agreement” with Negreira with the aim of influencing refereeing decisions to favor Barcelona.

Judge Joaquín Aguirre López, who is overseeing the case in the 1st Investigation Court of Barcelona, stated in the court document dated Wednesday that the alleged crimes being committed by Negreira, FC Barcelona, and other suspects should be classified as bribery rather than continued corruption.

The court document further detailed that these payments occurred annually from 2001 to 2018, ranging from €70,000 ($74,000) to €700,000 ($740,000) per year.

Judge Aguirre López asserted that since the payments ceased when Negreira left his position in 2018, it could be reasonably inferred that the club’s interests had been “satisfied” due to the duration of the arrangement and the increasing payments. He opined that these payments had “produced the desired effects on referees,” leading to “subsequent systemic corruption in Spanish refereeing,” impacting soccer in the country.

In February, FC Barcelona announced that a “thorough and independent investigation” was underway, and in March, a source from the club strongly denied to CNN that the club had ever attempted to bribe a referee or influence refereeing decisions.

Reactions from Key Figures last investigation

Xavi looks on during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Osasuna earlier this month. – Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

During a press conference on Thursday, head coach Xavi commented on the latest developments in the Caso Negreira: “You already know my opinion about the Caso Negreira. Next week, there will be another story about Negreira. In 15 days, another one. And in a month and a half, another one too.”

He added, “I have never had the feeling, never, and I repeat it, that the referees have benefited us. Never.”

LaLiga President Javier Tebas addressed the Civil Guard’s visit to the RFEF headquarters, stating, “It is a very important topic to be able to continue the investigations, that’s why permission was given for the search.”

LaLiga is listed as a plaintiff in the case, alongside Barcelona’s soccer rival, Real Madrid. In a statement issued in March, Real Madrid expressed deep concern about the gravity of the situation and reiterated confidence in the legal system. The club stated its intent to appear at the trial when the judge opens it to affected parties.

UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, informed CNN that it has no comment while the investigation is ongoing. However, it previously announced that FC Barcelona is provisionally allowed to participate in European club competitions, and a final decision on its admission or exclusion is pending.

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Brentford vs Luton Town Prediction and Betting Tips | December 2nd 2023

In the clash between Brentford vs Luton Town, the spotlight falls on the formidable history of their head-to-head encounters, with Brentford aiming to break free from a recent dip in form while Luton Town rides high on newfound Premier League success.

Published

10 months ago

November 30, 2023

Caca Anttunes

Brentford vs Luton Town Prediction and Betting Tips | December 2nd 2023

Brentford vs Luton Town at the Gtech Community Stadium in Premier League action on Saturday.

The hosts have seen a drop in form recently and after registering three wins in a row earlier, they have now suffered back-to-back defeats, failing to score in these games as well. They met London rivals Arsenal last week and suffered a narrow 1-0 loss, with Kai Havertz scoring the match-winner in the 89th minute.

The visitors returned to winning ways after six games last week, as goals from Teden Mengi and Jacob Brown helped them record a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Following just their second win of the season, they opened up a four-point gap between them and 18th-placed Sheffield United.

Brentford vs Luton Town Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

The two teams have squared off 79 times in all competitions since 1920 and will meet for the first time in the Premier League.
The visitors have the upper hand in the head-to-head record at the moment with 36 wins while the hosts are not far behind with 28 wins to their name.
15 meetings between them have ended in a stalemate.
They last met in the 2020-21 edition of the EFL Championship, with the hosts securing a league double with an aggregate score of 4-0.
Brentford have won five of their last six meetings against Luton Town across all competitions, keeping clean sheets in these wins as well.
Six of Luton’s eight defeats in the Premier League this season have come in their away games.
Interestingly, one of their two wins has also come in their travels.
The hosts have outscored the visitors 19-12 in 13 league games this season and also have a better defensive record, conceding five fewer goals (18).

Brentford vs Luton Town Prediction

The Bees have failed to score in their last two league outings and will look to return to goalscoring ways. They have a solid home record against the visitors, registering three wins on the trot, and scoring 10 goals without a reply.

Head coach Thomas Frank has a selection headache for the match with as many as nine players set to be sidelined through injuries. Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Kevin Schade, Mathias Jensen, Nathan Collins, Josh Dasilva, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Mads Rasmussen are confirmed absentees while Ivan Toney remains suspended.

The Hatters registered just their second win in Premier League history last week and will look to continue that form in this match. They are winless in their last three away games in the league, scoring three times while shipping in six goals.

Rob Edward also has a few injury concerns for the trip to West London as Dan Potts, Mads Andersen, Reece Burke, Albert-Mboyo Sambi Lokonga, and Marvelous Nakamba are sidelined through injuries.

Issa Kabore was absent against Crystal Palace on account of a concussion and faces a late fitness test while Cauley Woodrow is also a doubt.

While the hosts have had the upper hand in recent meetings against the visitors, their lengthy absentee list should cause some problems for them here. With that in mind and considering the current forms of the two teams, we are backing a narrow win for the home side.

Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Luton Town.

Brentford vs Luton Town Betting Tips

Tip 1: Result – Brentford win

Tip 2: Goal to be scored after 65th minute – Yes

Tip 3: At least a goal to be scored in the second half – Yes

Tip 4: Bryan Mbeumo to score or assist any time – Yes

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Nottingham Forest vs Everton Prediction and Betting Tips | December 2nd 2023

In a clash marked by a storied rivalry, Nottingham Forest vs Everton gear up for a faceoff at the iconic City Ground, each seeking redemption after recent setbacks in the Premier League.

Published

10 months ago

November 30, 2023

Caca Anttunes

Nottingham Forest vs Everton Prediction and Betting Tips | December 2nd 2023

Nottingham Forest vs Everton at the City Ground in the Premier League on Saturday.

Both teams resumed their league campaigns following the international break with defeats last week. Nottingham lost 3-2 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. Anthony Elanga had put them ahead in the third minute but Brighton produced a remarkable comeback scoring thrice between the 26th and 58th minute. Morgan Gibbs-White pulled one back for the hosts in the 76th minute. Everton lost 3-0 to Manchester United last time around, which saw their four-game unbeaten run in all competitions end. With that loss, they remained in 19th place in the league standings.

Nottingham Forest vs Everton Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

The two teams have a long-standing rivalry and have crossed paths 130 times in all competitions, with their first meeting dating back to 1892.
The two teams have contested these games closely, with the visitors having a narrow 55-47 lead in wins.
28 games have ended in draws.
They met for the first time in the 21st century last season, playing draws in their two Premier League meetings.
Nottingham Forest have just one win in their last nine league games, with that triumph coming against Aston Villa at home earlier this month.
Everton have just one win in their last seven meetings against the hosts, failing to score in four games in that period.
The hosts have lost three of their last four league outings, conceding three goals apiece in these defeats.
Interestingly, they have lost just once at home in the Premier League this season.
Interestingly, three of the visitors’ four wins in the Premier League this season have come in their travels.

Nottingham Forest vs Everton Prediction

The Tricky Trees suffered their first home defeat of the season last week and will look to bounce back to winning ways. They have suffered back-to-back 3-2 losses in their last two league outings and will look to work on their defensive prowess in this match.

Taiwo Awoniyi’s absence due to a groin injury remains a cause for concern while there are doubts over the availability of midfielder Ibrahim Sangare and defender Felipe.

The Toffees are unbeaten in their last three away games at Nottingham, keeping two clean sheets. They have won three of their last four away games in the Premier League, scoring seven goals while conceding five times, and will look to build on that form in this match.

Sean Dyche remains without the services of Bamidele Alli and Andre Gomes while Amadou Onana, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Beto face late fitness tests.

The hosts are unbeaten in eight of their last nine home games in the Premier League while the visitors have won five of their last seven away games across all competitions.

With that in mind and considering the current form of the two teams, we back them to play out a high-scoring draw.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Everton.

Nottingham Forest vs Everton Betting Tips

Tip 1: Result – Draw

Tip 2: Goals – Over/Under 2.5 Goals – Over 2.5 goals

Tip 3: At least a goal to be scored in the second half – Yes

Tip 4: Anthony Elanga to score or assist any time – Yes

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News

AC Milan vs Frosinone Prediction and Betting Tips | 2nd December 2023

In a clash that promises both suspense and skill, AC Milan vs Frosinone at the San Siro, each team fueled by their recent triumphs and setbacks, setting the stage for an intriguing Serie A showdown.

Published

10 months ago

November 30, 2023

Caca Anttunes

AC Milan vs Frosinone Prediction and Betting Tips | 2nd December 2023

AC Milan vs Frosinone at the San Siro on Saturday in Serie A.

AC Milan come into this game on the back of a 3-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. Goals from German attackers Marco Reus and Karim Adeyemi and a goal from English winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens secured the win for Borussia Dortmund. Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze scored the goal for AC Milan. Frosinone, on the other hand, beat Genoa 2-1 in their most recent league game. Goals from Argentine winger Matias Soule and centre-back Ilario Monterisi sealed the deal for Frosinone. Ukrainian attacker Ruslan Malinovskyi scored the goal for Genoa.

AC Milan vs Frosinone Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

In four head-to-head encounters between the two sides, AC Milan have won two games and drawn two.
American winger Christian Pulisic has managed six goal contributions in 10 league starts for AC Milan this season.
Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has managed two goal contributions in 13 league starts for AC Milan.
Argentine winger Matias Soule has managed seven goal contributions in 11 league starts for Frosinone this season.
Brazilian midfielder Reinier Jesus has managed three goal contributions in six league starts for Frosinone this season.

AC Milan vs Frosinone Prediction

AC Milan are currently 3rd in the league, and have won only one of their last five league games. They find themselves six points behind league leaders Inter Milan. It has been a season of inconsistency for the club, with their current form not doing manager Stefano Pioli any favours. The 37-year old Olivier Giroud continues to lead the line admirably, and has proven to be a surprisingly dependable goalkeeping option if needed as well. However, Giroud is at an age where dependency on him should be lessening, but in AC Milan’s case, it seems to have increased this season.

Frosinone, on the other hand, are 10th in the league, and have won two of their last five league games. Argentine winger Matias Soule has proven to be one of the best young players in the league so far, and parent club Juventus will be keeping a keen eye on his development. It has been suggested that Juventus could recall the 20-year old after an excellent start to his league campaign.

AC Milan need to get back to winning ways, and should emerge victorious here.