Barcelona Demand Florentino Pérez Retract Remarks or Face Legal Action

Barcelona have formally responded to recent public comments made by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, warning that legal action could follow unless certain statements are withdrawn.

The Catalan club released an official statement confirming that it has initiated preliminary legal proceedings in relation to remarks made by Pérez during a press conference on 12 May and in a media interview the following day.

Barcelona stated that it has submitted a mandatory conciliation request — a procedural step required before filing a criminal complaint for alleged slander under Article 205 of the Spanish Penal Code.

According to the club, the purpose of the action is to seek a formal retraction.

Barcelona Calls for Retraction

In its statement, the club said:

“FC Barcelona informs that, on this day, the mandatory conciliation claim prior to the filing of a criminal complaint for an offence of slander under Article 205 of the Penal Code has been submitted against the President of Real Madrid, Mr Florentino Pérez, as a result of the statements made by him at the press conference held on 12 May and in an interview with a media outlet the following day.

“The purpose of this claim is for Mr Pérez to retract certain statements that he made with knowledge of their falsity and which are slanderous and offensive to the image and reputation of the Club.

“Should this claim not be duly addressed, FC Barcelona will proceed with the filing of the corresponding criminal complaint.”

Tensions Continue Between Spain’s Biggest Rivals

The latest development marks another escalation in tensions between Spain’s two biggest football institutions.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta and vice-president Rafa Yuste had already publicly criticised Pérez’s remarks following their publication.

Reports have also suggested that Pérez later submitted documentation to UEFA relating to Barcelona and called for possible disciplinary action, including sanctions and exclusion from European competition.

No official response from Pérez or Real Madrid has yet been announced regarding Barcelona’s latest statement.

For now, attention turns to whether a retraction will be issued or whether the dispute will proceed through formal legal channels.