FC Barcelona could be forced to play outside of Europe next season as they face a shock expulsion from the UEFA Champions League.
The Blaugrana have been charged with corruption by the Spanish Prosecutor's Office after it emerged that they had made a series of payments to a former vice-president of the country's referees committee, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.
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The club has strongly denied any wrongdoing, insisting the payments were lawful as they were for consultation work rather than any other underhanded reason.
In March, UEFA confirmed they had opened their own investigation into the matter, and various reports have since suggested that a ban from the Champions League for the 2023/24 season – which the club has already qualified for – is a real possibility if Barca are found guilty, per Football Espana.
Speaking to Slovenian outlet Epika in an interview published last month, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin explained that he cannot comment directly on the case for two reasons when asked to do so, but admitted it is being taken very seriously.
"First, because we have an independent disciplinary committee. And secondly, because I haven't dealt with this in detail," Ceferin said.
"There's one thing I can say... as far as I'm informed, the situation is extremely serious. So serious, in my estimation, [that] it's one of the most serious in football since I've been involved in it."
According to Marca, Barca would look into the option of playing in another continental tournament if they are dealt the harshest punishment, with Asia said to be a possible destination.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has since revealed that he would not stand in the way of the club if that was their plan of action.
"They are the ones who decide. If they need income, if it's to reduce their losses, that that's fine with me," the Spanish chief said, per Marca.
We are talking about Champions League dates. Legally, it is impossible for them to play in another domestic league."
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While there's no clear indication as to when a decision will be made, Barca are now anxiously waiting on the outcome of UEFA's investigation, especially with the next transfer window opening soon and the club wanting to re-sign their all-time top goalscorer Lionel Messi.
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