Barcelona and Real Madrid's Perez Face Court Over Defamation

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Barcelona are scheduled to attend a conciliation hearing in Madrid next month due to a defamation dispute initiated by Barcelona. The legal proceedings began on June 12 after Perez made statements during a news conference in May concerning the Negreira affair.

Barcelona contends that Perez's comments were false and defamatory, seeking an apology. The club has warned of potential legal action against Perez if no agreement is reached during the conciliation.

The controversy centers on allegations that Barcelona paid approximately 7 million to firms linked to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, a former vice-president of Spain’s refereeing committee, over nearly 20 years. Spanish authorities have investigated whether these payments were intended to secure a sporting advantage.

Barcelona maintains its innocence, asserting that the payments were for referee reports and analyses. A bribery case against the club was dismissed in 2024, with the prosecutor labeling it “the most serious case of corruption in football.” The hearing in November will determine if the matter can be settled before further legal actions are pursued by Barcelona.