Florentino Pérez calls for justice amid football scandal

In a striking departure from the usual festive cheer, Real Madrid‘s president Florentino Pérez used the traditional Christmas toast to deliver a powerful indictment against what he labels as the most significant scandal in sports history. Addressing a gathering of journalists, Pérez did not hold back in his criticism of Spanish football, particularly focusing on the ongoing Negreira affair, which he believes has tainted the integrity of the sport.

Pérez’s comments come at a time when Real Madrid is navigating a challenging season in La Liga, with recent controversial refereeing decisions adding to the club’s frustrations. The president connected these on-field issues to the broader implications of systemic corruption within Spanish football. He expressed dismay at how this scandal has unfolded, emphasizing that it undermines the very foundation of fair play.

A Direct Attack on Institutions

The Real Madrid president’s address was a frontal assault on various institutions, including FC Barcelona, La Liga, and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). He highlighted the staggering sums allegedly paid by Barcelona for dubious referee reports over nearly two decades, questioning the legitimacy of such transactions. “The Negreira case is the gravest scandal in football history,” Pérez asserted. “Over €8 million was paid for referee reports that never reached coaches. Who can believe such payments were made for documents unknown to those who needed them?”

Controversial Refereeing Decisions

Touching on recent matches, Pérez pointed out specific instances where he felt refereeing decisions were biased against his team. “In our last match against Alavés, we faced an official who had previously threatened our club with disciplinary action before a cup final. Suddenly, clear fouls against Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo were ignored,” he lamented. “These are not isolated incidents; they reflect a troubling trend that continues to harm us.”

Pérez also warned that systemic corruption could have far-reaching consequences, potentially affecting team standings and even leading to unjust relegations. “It’s plausible that past relegations stemmed directly from this Negreira affair. Our football has been deeply damaged, and we must seek justice,” he declared. He noted that even the investigating judge described the situation as systemic corruption.

The Isolation of Real Madrid

Pérez expressed frustration over what he perceives as abandonment by sporting institutions during this tumultuous period. “It is incomprehensible that La Liga and RFEF have left Real Madrid alone in this fight,” he stated. “How can we be asked to forget such a manipulation? They have a duty to protect the integrity of our competition, yet their behavior has been disappointing.”

Despite these challenges, Pérez reassured fans of Real Madrid’s financial stability and resilience. “We remain strong as a club,” he said confidently. “According to Deloitte, we generate the highest revenues globally and are valued as the most valuable club by Forbes. The past 15 years have seen us through one of our most successful periods in both football and basketball.” He also pointed to ongoing projects like the transformation of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and hosting NFL events as evidence of progress amid adversity.

As Real Madrid continues its campaign in La Liga and beyond, Pérez’s bold statements underscore the urgent need for reform within Spanish football. Will this call for justice resonate with other clubs and lead to meaningful changes? The coming months will be crucial for determining the future integrity of the sport.