Florentino Perez hits out at La Liga, Barcelona over Negreira case: ‘How are we going to forget the biggest scandal in history?’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez addressed the media during the club’s traditional Christmas reception for the press, delivering a speech in which he focused strongly on the refereeing situation in Spanish football.

With the Negreira case as the central theme, Pérez also referred to the penalty not awarded to Vinicius Jr. in the recent match against Alaves and questioned the role of football institutions.

Perez began his address by welcoming the journalists and reflecting on the significance of the occasion.

“Good afternoon to everyone. Thank you for joining us in this traditional annual gathering. I wish you a happy festive season in the company of your loved ones. I would like us to remember our colleagues in the profession who have passed away this year.”

He then took the opportunity to acknowledge the role of the media and underline the values that, in his view, define Real Madrid.

“At a moment like this, I take the opportunity to thank you for your informative work. At this club we have always valued the work of the media, within the framework of honesty, professionalism and rigour,” he noted.

“This is a moment to keep in mind the values that have defined us, the values that have helped make Real Madrid the most admired and most decorated club in the world. And the media have helped us in this.”

Continuing along the same lines, Perez emphasised the principles that he believes have underpinned the club’s success.

“Everything we have achieved has been thanks to sacrifice, humility and solidarity. This club represents millions of people. Real Madrid is something very special. That is why those of us who form part of this club feel a great responsibility.”

He went on to highlight the social role of the club through its foundation.

“Madridistas know that this badge means something special, even when the goal seems impossible. We try to bring this to reality through our Foundation. Thanks to it, we help more than 400,000 people around the world. Sport is a very powerful tool for solidarity.”

Turning his attention to the Christmas period as a moment for reflection, Pérez reviewed the club’s institutional strength and recent achievements.

“Christmas is a time that invites reflection. This club has built its history and its legend. We are the club with the highest income in the world according to Deloitte and the most valuable according to Forbes.

“This has allowed us to live through one of the most successful periods in our history over these last 15 years, both in football and in basketball.”

From there, Perez shifted the focus to what he described as Real Madrid’s main concern: refereeing in Spanish football.

“And Christmas is also a time to reflect. And Real Madrid’s greatest concern is the refereeing situation. As you well know, the extremely serious situation that occurred with the ‘Negreira case’ over almost two decades deserves justice.”

Perez raised his voices against Barcelona over the Negreira scandal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

He criticised the stance of football institutions and questioned their response to the Negreira scandal.

“It is completely incomprehensible that the institutions have left Real Madrid alone in this fight. How is it possible that the president of the referees asks us to forget it?

“How are we going to forget the biggest scandal in the history of football? How can the RFEF and La Liga behave like this? They have a duty to protect integrity.”

Perez then described the Negreira case in stark terms, insisting on its seriousness.

“The ‘Negreira case’ is the most serious case in football today. We know that more than eight million euros were paid for technical reports on referees. And on top of that, they were never received by the coaches.”

He questioned the purpose of those payments and called for structural change.

“Who can believe that these reports were paid for when not even the coaches knew of their existence? This highlights the need for a radical change.”

Referring to the most recent league match, Perez raised concerns about refereeing decisions affecting Real Madrid players.

“Yesterday we were refereed by an official who had threatened to take measures against our club on the eve of a Copa del Rey final. And it seems that the trips suffered by Vinicius and Rodrygo are not penalties. That is the novelty this season.”

He warned of the broader consequences the case may have had on Spanish football as a whole.

“It is possible that some clubs have been relegated as victims of the ‘Negreira case’. Spanish football has been damaged and justice must be done.”

Perez recalled the legal characterisation of the affair and pointed to Barcelona’s own admissions.

“Do not forget that the investigating judge described it as systemic corruption. And Barcelona admitted that these payments were made because they were convenient. Why? For what purpose?”

He reaffirmed Real Madrid’s intention to continue pressing the issue and underlined the importance of the media’s role.

“Real Madrid will continue to insist, and you in the media play a fundamental role.”

In the final part of his speech, Pérez shifted to a more optimistic tone, speaking about the club’s future projects.

“Beyond this case, we are very excited. We are witnessing the final stages of the works at the Bernabeu. The NFL match has allowed everyone to enjoy the stadium, one of Madrid’s great attractions. We are living through times of change.”

He concluded by thanking the press and offering seasonal wishes.

“We share a passion for sport, and from Real Madrid we thank you for your work. And to conclude, on behalf of the Board of Directors and myself, I wish you a Merry Christmas. Thank you very much.”

Source: AS