But legal, they're allowed to do that of course, but there is no actual proof that's what happened because there's no paper trail for any of this.
Well there is a paper trail. The ref paid taxes on the money and Barca have admitted that they paid the ref. So, there is proof of payment (tax payments) and admittance of that services were rendered.
The issue at hand is instead, were the payments sinoly for advice as claimed or were they for favourable calls? This is what needs to be answered.
People keep saying that FCB will get away with it, however I am not to sure, a this is going to one of Spains' top courts; this isn't going to some kangaroo sports court/arbitration panel. For me, unless FCB can prove that the services were for 'advice' as they claim, they'll get found guilty, especially as they initially tried to hide the payments.
No way does a national court cave into FCB as it would make a joke of the entire counties judicial system. The question will instead be will La Liga/Spanish FA hide behind the 'time barred' excuse.