Barcelona threaten criminal action against Florentino Pérez over defamation claims | OneFootball

Barcelona have filed a pre-litigation conciliation request on Friday, ahead of possible criminal proceedings for defamation against Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, the club said in a statement.

The move concerns remarks he made in mid May, at a 12 May press conference and in an interview the following day.

During that press conference, Pérez addressed the Negreira case, in which Barcelona had been accused of bribing referees. He spoke of systemic corruption and claimed Real Madrid had been robbed of several titles in recent years.

The request seeks the withdrawal of certain statements, alleged to have been made knowingly, and described as defamatory and harmful to the club’s image and reputation.

If he does not comply, Barcelona will pursue criminal proceedings.

Pérez was re-elected as Real Madrid president in early June.

Source: L'Équipe