La Liga president comments on Barcelona's potential Champions League ban
By Sean Walsh
La Liga president Javier Tebas has admitted he fears that damage to Barcelona's 'reputation' from the Negreira scandal may not be reversed, and this is more concerning than any potential UEFA Champions League ban.
Barcelona have been charged with corruption in relation to payments made to ex-referee chief Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.
The club are alleged to have requested information and analysis from Negreira regarding match officials, which has seen them further accused of match fixing.
UEFA have confirmed they are conducting their own investigation into the case, and reports across Europe state they could ban Barcelona from entering next season's Champions League even before Spanish authorities make a ruling on the case.
Club president Joan Laporta will hold a press conference on Monday to try and explain Barcelona's involvement in the scandal - something Tebas has long called for.
"He should have done it earlier, because it's not an issue that needs so much time, but it is better late than never. We hope, and I wish, that on Monday, they can clarify everything," Tebas told Marca.
Read the latest Barcelona news here
feed
When asked about Barça facing a potential European ban, Tebas replied: "The damage is much greater than what is happening now, and I am more concerned about the 'reputational' damage than if Barcelona is going to play a European competition next year."
Meanwhile, Marca also report that former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu - one of various ex-Barça personnel indicted in the case - wants Real Madrid removed from court proceedings.
Los Blancos have stated they feel they can support any case against Barcelona, but Bartomeu has written to the courts dismissing this suggestion.
LISTEN NOW
On this edition of 90min's Definitive European Power Rankings, part of the 90min podcast network, Sean Walsh and Jack Gallagher discuss the top 10 teams from across the continent after a busy week of Champions League and domestic football.
If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!