As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches its conclusion, attention is beginning to shift back to club football. In a positive development for Barcelona, UEFA has included the Catalan club on its provisional list of teams qualified for the 2026-27 Champions League.

Barcelona's Inclusion in the Champions League

This announcement comes amid the ongoing Negreira case, which remains unresolved in Spanish courts. Real Madrid has previously submitted a dossier to UEFA, urging the governing body to consider excluding Barcelona from continental competitions. Despite this, Barcelona's name appears on UEFA's provisional list, as reported by SPORT.

The inclusion has reignited discussions about Barcelona’s eligibility for the tournament, especially in light of the Negreira affair and Real Madrid's attempts to have the club sanctioned. Miguel Galan, president of CENAFE, reacted strongly to the news, viewing it as a setback for Real Madrid's efforts.

Reactions to Real Madrid's Complaint

Galan suggested that Barcelona's presence on the list indicates that the club cannot be barred from European competition while the Negreira case is still pending. He asserted that UEFA's decision implies that Barcelona will participate in the next Champions League without facing sanctions related to the ongoing investigation.

He characterized Real Madrid's documentation submitted to UEFA as "useless," emphasizing that any potential criminal liability should be determined by the Spanish courts. Galan also noted that the allegations under investigation may be time-barred under Spanish law and maintained that Barcelona has not engaged in any acts of sporting corruption.

While Galan believes UEFA is upholding the principle of presumption of innocence, it is important to note that UEFA has clarified that the provisional list does not represent a final decision regarding club participation.