Barcelona Weigh Legal Action After Florentino Pérez’s Explosive Comments Over Negreira Case

Barcelona are reportedly considering legal action following controversial remarks made by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez concerning the ongoing Negreira case.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Pérez revealed that Real Madrid are preparing a 500-page dossier to submit to UEFA regarding the long-running investigation.

The Real Madrid president once again described the Negreira affair as “the greatest scandal in history”.

The case centres on more than €7 million (£6m/$8.2m) in payments allegedly made by Barcelona to former referees’ committee vice-president José María Enríquez Negreira between 2001 and 2018.

Pérez insisted the issue remains unresolved and suggested other clubs, including Real Madrid, had suffered as a result.

“It is a case that remains unresolved and is still ongoing,” Pérez said.

“Because it is not only Madrid that has been harmed and Barcelona that has benefited — although Barcelona has always benefited.”

Barcelona moved swiftly to respond following Pérez’s remarks, which came just days after the Catalan side defeated Real Madrid 2-0 in El Clásico at Spotify Camp Nou to secure the La Liga title.

In an official statement, the club confirmed its legal department was examining the comments and considering possible action.

“Regarding the press conference held by the Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, we inform that our legal department is carefully examining his declarations and accusations,” the statement read.

“They are currently being analysed and the steps to be taken are being assessed. When considered appropriate, any positions and decisions adopted will be communicated.”

Pérez, 79, addressed the media after a disappointing campaign for Real Madrid, who are set to finish a second consecutive season without winning a major trophy — the first time the club has endured such a run in two decades.

During his press conference, Pérez launched a fierce criticism of sections of the Spanish media and officiating standards, while also announcing upcoming club elections.

“We have ended the season empty-handed,” Pérez said.

“And I have been here for I do not know how many seasons, yet I have only won seven European Cups and seven league titles — which could have been 14 if they had not been taken from me.

“We have prepared a video showing the 18 points that have been taken away from us this season. I cannot remain silent about it.

“As president of Madrid, I cannot allow people in the media to dictate the narrative simply because we did not win the league or the Champions League this year.

“They have already forgotten that two years ago we won both the league and the Champions League. Now they are saying Madrid are in ruins and in chaos. But this remains the most prestigious club in the world, and everyone recognises that.”

Pérez also claimed he wanted to challenge what he described as growing hostility towards Real Madrid in certain quarters.

“I want to put an end to this anti-Madrid sentiment that has taken hold in some sectors,” he added.

“We are going to call elections.”