Barcelona’s headquarters were searched as part of the ongoing investigation into allegations of bribery, but Pep Guardiola has declined to comment and is of the opinion that the club’s success has not been a result of refereeing decisions.
Following the Thursday office search at Barcelona, Pep Guardiola says he will “wait before he has an opinion.”.
The Catalan giants are allegedly accused of making payments to companies owned by Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of Spain’s referees committee, leading to the Spanish club’s investigation, which was launched after prosecutors filed a complaint back in March.
UEFA has now joined the investigation.
The alleged payments are said to have taken place between 2001 and 2018.
Barcelona has rejected all accusations of wrongdoing, but a search was still conducted.
The most prosperous period in Barcelona history, under Guardiola’s leadership from 2008 to 2012, wasn’t a result of special treatment from authorities, according to the former player.
Let the justice system and the process (run),” he said.
From what I’ve heard so far, I didn’t see or read anything because I’m not involved in that, but I didn’t witness Barcelona really, really, really paying a referee to receive a benefit.
That was not something I saw or read.
Barcelona will defend what they must do, so I want to hold off on forming an opinion until after we have seen what happens.
“I’m fairly certain that Barcelona’s victory was due to their superior performance over their opponents.
Regarding which, in the present day, I am largely convinced.
Because we outperformed our competitors, we prevailed. And when they weren’t, they lost rather than won. But justice will decide what actually occurred.
“.
Guardiola guided Barcelona to two Champions League victories and three straight La Liga championships while they were playing at the Nou Camp. Throughout his leadership, his team played a style of football that many still consider to be the best in club history.
The allegations have been vehemently refuted by Barcelona
They defeated Real Madrid and Chelsea in the semi-finals to win the European Cup in 2009 and 2011, but those victories were marred by controversy.
Following their respective losses, the opposing managers of both teams expressed their displeasure with the refereeing decisions.
The payments were for technical reports, not bribes, according to Joan Laporta, the president of Barcelona, who was in charge when Guardiola was at the club. He previously stated: “Barca have never bought referees or used influence.
That must be made clear because it was never the intention.
Those who attempt to tell a different story are at odds with the facts.
“.
Click the link for more updates on Manchester City news.
