Florentino Perez Reignites Negreira Scandal Debate With Fresh Barcelona Dig

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has once again turned up the heat on Barcelona over the long-running Negreira scandal, describing it as the biggest scandal in football history and openly questioning why key football institutions have remained largely silent.

Perez’s latest comments underline how seriously Real Madrid continue to view the case, as tensions between Spain’s two biggest clubs refuse to cool.

Perez Doubles Down During Christmas Address

Less than a month after reviving the controversy at Real Madrid’s general assembly, Perez brought up the Negreira case again — this time during the club’s annual Christmas message.

While highlighting Madrid’s commercial and sporting success, Perez made it clear that integrity in Spanish football remains his biggest concern.

He pointed to Real Madrid’s global stature, noting the club’s status as the world’s highest-earning and most valuable football institution, but insisted that success does not diminish the need for accountability.

According to Perez, the alleged events surrounding the Negreira case demand justice, not silence.

“How Can We Forget The Biggest Scandal In Football?”

Perez appeared particularly frustrated by what he sees as a lack of action from Spanish football authorities.

He questioned why the president of the referees’ committee would suggest moving on from the issue and why institutions like La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have not taken a stronger public stance.

For the Real Madrid president, forgetting is not an option — especially when the integrity of refereeing over nearly two decades is being scrutinized.

What Exactly Is The Negreira Case?

The Negreira case centers on an ongoing judicial investigation into payments made by Barcelona to companies linked to José María Enríquez Negreira, the former vice-president of Spain’s referees’ committee.

Between 2001 and 2018, Barcelona reportedly paid between €8.3 and €8.4 million to entities connected to Negreira. Prosecutors argue that the size, consistency, and lack of clear technical deliverables behind the payments raise serious concerns about corruption and sporting integrity.

The case has progressed to the point where the club itself, along with several former presidents and executives, have been summoned to testify. Current Barcelona president Joan Laporta, as well as former coaches Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde, have already appeared in court.

Barcelona Maintain Their Innocence

Barcelona have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

The club insists the payments were for legitimate consultancy services and refereeing reports, stressing that there is no evidence of referees being bribed or match officials being influenced.

Negreira himself has also rejected allegations of corruption, although investigators continue to examine missing documents, contracts, and testimonies as the probe remains ongoing.

A Controversy That Refuses To Fade

Perez’s renewed comments ensure the Negreira scandal remains firmly in the spotlight — and signal that Real Madrid have no intention of backing down.

With court proceedings still active and emotions running high, the case continues to cast a long shadow over Spanish football, one that neither success nor silence can easily erase.

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