Real Madrid president triggers firestorm with “greatest scandal” accusations and 500-page dossier; Barça legal team reviews “incendiary” declarations.
The bitter rivalry between Spain’s two footballing giants reached a fresh low on Tuesday as Barcelona confirmed they are considering legal action against Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez following a scathing public broadside.
The tension comes just 48 hours after Barcelona celebrated their 29th LaLiga title with a victory over Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou. Rather than offering a traditional congratulatory message, a defiant Pérez used a Tuesday press conference to reignite the “Negreira case,” announcing that Madrid has prepared a 500-page dossier for UEFA regarding €7 million in payments made by Barça to a former refereeing official between 2001 and 2018.
Pérez, 79, did not hold back in his assessment of the ongoing investigation into Barcelona’s past relationship with José María Enríquez Negreira. “It’s a case that remains unresolved,” Pérez told reporters. “It’s not just Madrid that’s harmed and Barça that’s benefited—although Barça has always benefited. It is the greatest scandal in history.”
Barcelona’s response was swift and stern. In an official statement, the club confirmed that their legal department is “carefully examining” the declarations.
“They are currently being analyzed and the steps to be taken are being assessed,” the statement read. “When considered opportune, any positions and decisions that have been adopted will be notified.”
The outburst from Pérez comes during a rare period of drought for the capital club. For the first time in 20 years, Real Madrid has finished two consecutive seasons without a major trophy. Addressing his own future, Pérez announced that the club would be calling for elections, but he spent much of his time blaming external factors for his team’s lack of silverware.
“I’ve only won seven European Cups and seven leagues—which could have been 14 if they hadn’t been stolen from me,” Pérez claimed, alleging that 18 points were taken from his side this season due to poor officiating. “I cannot allow people in the media to take control just because we didn’t win a league or a Champions League this year.”
Pérez also took aim at a perceived “anti-Madridista” bias in the Spanish media, dismissing reports that the club is in a state of “chaos” or “ruin” despite their empty trophy cabinet.
“They’ve already forgotten that two years ago I won a league and a Champions League,” he noted. “But it’s the most prestigious club in the world, and everyone recognizes that.”
The escalation marks a significant breakdown in the relationship between the two clubs, who had previously been aligned in their support for the European Super League. As Barça prepares to hoist their trophy in front of their fans this weekend, the shadow of the courtroom now looms over the celebrations.
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