Real Madrid’s Alonso Calls for Clarity in Barça Referee Scandal

Xabi Alonso has voiced his support for Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez’s demand for transparency regarding the ongoing Negreira investigation. The coach emphasized that uncovering the truth is essential for the integrity of football as the inquiry delves into over €7 million in payments made by FC Barcelona to former referees’ committee vice president José María Enríquez Negreira from 2001 to 2018.

Alonso’s remarks came during a press conference held ahead of Madrid’s Copa del Rey clash against Talavera de la Reina. He echoed Pérez’s sentiments, labeling the Negreira case as “the biggest scandal in the history of football.” In his Christmas address to the media, Pérez criticized Spanish football authorities for what he perceives as a lack of accountability and support for Madrid amidst this controversy. He suggested that the ramifications of this case could extend to potential relegations of clubs involved.

Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta, along with former coaches Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde, provided testimony to the judge overseeing the investigation on Friday. While Barcelona has acknowledged making payments linked to Negreira, Laporta insisted they were merely for scouting reports on referees. “We’re all human and make mistakes,” Alonso stated, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation into these payments. He added that the lack of consequences so far has surprised many outside Spain, highlighting that such a situation cannot be normalized.

Referees Union Responds

The recently established Spanish referees’ union, AESAF, released a statement criticizing Pérez’s comments, asserting that no referee has been investigated or charged in connection with the Negreira case. When asked about this response, Alonso remarked, “It’s legitimate that everyone defends their own interests.” His comments come at a time when his own position as head coach is under scrutiny following a series of disappointing results, although Madrid recently secured a 2-1 victory against Alavés.

Future Outlook

Amidst speculation regarding his future at the helm, Alonso reassured fans that communication within the club remains strong despite recent pressures. “The situation before and after Alavés is the same: we have very good communication; we’re in this together,” he asserted. Reports have indicated that Madrid’s recent form has raised doubts among senior executives about Alonso’s methods and player management strategies. However, he remains optimistic about improvement as the season progresses. “If we’re a better team in March than we are now, that’s good news,” he concluded.

The ongoing investigation into Barcelona’s financial dealings with referees continues to cast a long shadow over Spanish football. As Real Madrid prepares for their next match, fans and players alike are left wondering what repercussions might arise from this scandal and how it will shape the landscape of La Liga moving forward.