Real Madrid: Outrage Over LaLiga and RFEF’s Negreira Handling

Real Madrid has expressed its outrage regarding the conduct of LaLiga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) during Joan Laporta’s testimony in the ongoing Negreira case. The legal representative from the RFEF notably failed to pose any questions to the FC Barcelona president, while LaLiga’s attorney, dispatched by Javier Tebas, managed only a single inquiry: whether it was true that Negreira’s son accompanied referees at Camp Nou. In stark contrast, Real Madrid submitted around a dozen questions, highlighting a perceived lack of diligence from both governing bodies. According to reports from AS, internal sources at the club indicated that “the passivity exhibited by LaLiga and the RFEF showcases their disinterest in uncovering the truth.”

This apparent indifference, while frustrating for Real Madrid, was not unexpected. The sentiment echoes recent comments from Fran Soto, who took over as president of the Technical Committee of Referees this year. Soto referred to the Negreira affair as a significant burden, stating, “It is a subject that causes us great harm and the sooner it ends, the better it will be for everyone. We must forget it and leave it behind us.” Such remarks underscore the complicated relationship between Real Madrid and these footballing institutions.

Real Madrid’s Stance in Ongoing Proceedings

Despite their dissatisfaction with LaLiga and RFEF’s approach, Real Madrid remains committed to its role as a private accuser in this criminal investigation. This status allows them to assert claims against the accused parties, protect their interests, present evidence, and seek justice through active participation in the trial. The investigation led by Court No. 1 in Barcelona is scrutinizing the €7.3 million payments made by FC Barcelona to Enrique Negreira during his tenure as vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees. The goal is to determine if these transactions constitute corruption under Spanish law.

Implications of Laporta’s Testimony

The implications of Laporta’s testimony are significant for all parties involved. As Real Madrid continues to advocate for accountability, they are poised to challenge any findings that may absolve Barcelona or diminish the severity of the allegations against them. The club’s pursuit of clarity reflects a broader desire within Spanish football for transparency and integrity in officiating practices. As this case unfolds, questions remain about how it will impact relationships among clubs and governing bodies moving forward.

In light of these developments, one can only wonder: Will LaLiga and RFEF take more decisive action moving forward? The stakes are high not just for Real Madrid but for the integrity of Spanish football as a whole.