Barcelona have warned they are prepared to launch criminal proceedings against Real Madrid president Florentino Perez unless he retracts comments the club says damaged its reputation.
The latest chapter in the fierce rivalry between Spain’s two biggest clubs follows remarks made by Perez regarding the ongoing Negreira case, a controversial investigation that continues to cast a shadow over Spanish football.
Speaking during an extraordinary press conference last month, Perez revisited allegations surrounding payments made by Barcelona to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees.
The Real Madrid chief suggested Barcelona had benefited from the arrangement and referenced the ongoing investigation into the matter.
“It’s a case that remains unresolved and is still ongoing,” Perez said.
“Because it’s not just Madrid that’s harmed and Barca that’s benefited, although Barca has always benefited.”
The comments triggered an immediate response from Barcelona, who announced they were examining the statements and considering legal options.
The Catalan giants have now escalated the dispute by formally beginning the process required before filing a criminal complaint.
In a strongly worded statement, Barcelona confirmed they had submitted a mandatory conciliation claim against Perez over what they described as slanderous remarks.
The club said the action was aimed at securing a retraction from the Real Madrid president, accusing him of making statements he allegedly knew to be false and damaging to Barcelona’s image.
Barcelona also made clear that if Perez fails to retract the comments, they intend to pursue a criminal complaint under Spanish law.
The dispute centres on the Negreira case, which has generated significant controversy in Spain.
Negreira, who served as vice-president of the referees’ committee, reportedly received around £6 million from Barcelona during his time in the role.
Barcelona have consistently maintained that the payments were made for legitimate consultancy services involving reports and analysis on referees and have denied any wrongdoing.
The legal threat comes amid growing tensions between the two Spanish giants.
Relations have already been strained by recent transfer disputes and public disagreements between senior figures at both clubs.
Real Madrid president Perez has also been involved in a separate dispute with Atletico Madrid after the Spanish giants reportedly failed with a €150 million bid for striker Julian Alvarez.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid continue to reshape the club ahead of the new season following the appointment of Jose Mourinho as head coach.
But while preparations continue on the pitch, attention is now shifting to a potentially explosive legal battle off it.
If Perez refuses to withdraw his comments, one of football’s fiercest rivalries could soon be heading from the stadium to the courtroom.
