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Claim: A Threads user claims that the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has cleared FC Barcelona of all allegations connected to the Negreira case. The user further suggested that Barcelona president Joan Laporta should file a €1 billion defamation case against Real Madrid.
Verdict: False. UEFA has not cleared FC Barcelona in the Negreira case. Official statements from UEFA and FC Barcelona confirm the investigation remains ongoing, as Real Madrid recently submitted additional documentation for review.
Full Text
Since the start of the 2026/2027 football season, sports misinformation has thrived on social media. From fake transfer announcements to quotes wrongly attributed to players and managers, false information spread very quickly, given football’s huge emotional fanbase. DUBAWA has debunked some of these reports, as seen here, here, and here.
On Oct. 2, 2026, a Threads user, Lekinz18, claimed that the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has cleared Barcelona of any claims related to the Negreira case. The user also suggested that Barcelona President Joan Laporta should file a €1B defamation case against Real Madrid.
The post has gained over 1,300 likes, 94 comments, and 28 reshares.
Similar posts were made here and here.
Because it could mislead, DUBAWA decided to investigate.
Verification
DUBAWA reviewed the claim against official statements from UEFA, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
A recent public statement from FC Barcelona clarifies reports about the Negreira proceedings. The club said UEFA had not opened a new case, explaining that the proceedings began in 2023 and “have never been closed.” Barcelona also said UEFA had received documentation submitted by Real Madrid and that investigators would assess it as part of the existing investigation.
Real Madrid’s official statement also contradicts the claim that Barcelona had been cleared. The club said UEFA had confirmed receipt of its complaint and that the investigation into payments Barcelona made to former referee-official José María Enríquez Negreira would continue. Real Madrid called for the investigation to conclude. Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano also confirmed the above.
Barcelona has, however, taken legal action against Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. On June 12, the club announced it had filed a mandatory preliminary conciliation claim against Pérez before filing a lawsuit for alleged defamation. FC Barcelona explained that the purpose of this claim is to require Pérez to retract certain statements that are ‘slanderous and offensive’ to the club’s image and reputation.
A court has since scheduled the conciliation hearing for Nov. 25, 2026.
Conclusion
The claim is false. UEFA has not cleared Barcelona of the Negreira case. The investigation remains ongoing, with investigators reviewing documentation submitted by Real Madrid. Barcelona’s actual legal action against Florentino Pérez is a preliminary conciliation proceeding over alleged defamatory statements, not a €1 billion judgment.