Huge let off for Barcelona in Negreira case? La Liga champions may NOT face prosecution for bribery over payments to refereeing official

According to news agency EFE, the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office has opposed the investigation into Barcelona's alleged bribery of Jose Maria Enrique Negreira - a former vice-president of Spain's referees' committee. The office believe that because Negreira was not a public servant, his status does not meet the necessary requirements to charge him and Barcelona with bibery.

According to Spanish outlet Marca, the Barcelona Court must now decide whether to revoke the decision to level bribery charges against Barca and those in the Negreira case - which occurred back in September last year. This could be a big boost for the Spanish giants or a temporary reprieve as they could still face punishment from La Liga, among others.

Between 2001 and 2018, Barcelona made 33 payments to a company owned by Negreira, who was vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA). Barcelona have vowed to clear their name in court,having been charged with corruption.

It is just a matter of waiting and seeing what will happen off the pitch for Barcelona and those accused in this matter. On the pitch, Xavi's Barca travel to Alaves on Saturday evening in La Liga action.