'Victims of a smear campaign': Laporta issues statement on Negreira case, claims Barca are innocent

The 'Negreira case' has dominated public discourse in Spain in recent days after the announcements made by the Public Prosecutor's Office. In response to the accusations, Barcelona's president Joan Laporta has come out with a statement.

“Culers, you can be calm. Barca is innocent of the accusations made against it and is the victim of a campaign, that now involves everyone, to harm its honorability. It is no surprise, and we will defend Barca and prove that the Club is innocent. Many will be forced to rectify," the writes on Twitter.

Culers, estigueu tranquils. El Barça és innocent del que se l’acusa i víctima d’una campanya contra la seva honorabilitat en la que ara ja hi són tots. Cap sorpresa, defensarem el Barça i demostrarem la innocència del Club. Molts hauran de rectificar. #totsUnitsFemForça

— Joan Laporta Estruch🎗 (@JoanLaportaFCB) March 12, 2023

It is worth mentioning that the accusations made were against Barca as an entity and several board members and presidents but it did not include Laporta.

Marca's Jose F. Diaz has pointed out that the prosecutors haven't published any evidence so, without it, it's difficult to judge the severity of the potential sanctions (if Barca end up being proven guilty).