Real Madrid chief blames Barcelona for damaging Spanish football’s image

Real Madrid club president Florentino Perez (courtesy)

Real Madrid chief blames Barcelona for damaging Spanish football’s image

Ayoola Kelechi 20:39 - 11.11.2023

Barcelona have brought shame to Spanish football according to Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez

Florentino Perez, while addressing the Real Madrid general assembly, slammed Barcelona for damaging the reputation of Spanish football due to the ongoing Negreira scandal, which has engulfed the Blaugrana. 

Florentino Perez weighs in on Barcelona corruption scandal

Barcelona were accused of corruption in sports and charged to a Spanish court after it emerged that the club had paid former referee chief Enrique Negreira and his son up to €8 million between 2000 and 2018. 

Real Madrid’s Perez, spoke at a meeting of stakeholders and condemned their rivals, Barcelona, for their actions over the years, calling it a stain on the face of Spanish football. 

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and LaLiga president Javier Tebas | Imago
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and LaLiga president Javier Tebas | Imago

Speaking at the club’s general assembly, Perez said, “We must be respectful of the times of justice. It is not normal for a football club to have paid €8 million for 20 years to the Vice President of the Referees Committee. 

Real Madrid chief accuses Barcelona

The Real Madrid head honcho also affirmed that Los Blancos were going along with the filed petition against Barcelona, saying, “We were admitted as an injured party. It is a case of enormous gravity and is damaging the image of Spanish football.”

Barcelona continue to plead their innocence against accusations of bribery and corruption in sports, but with the case still in court, they will have to clear their name with Spanish authorities. 

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez | Imago
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez | Imago

In the meantime, the two clubs will go head-to-head for the 2023/24 LaLiga title after Barcelona coasted to the title last season.