LaLiga president Javier Tebas has accused Real Madrid of prolonging the Negreira controversy, claiming the club intensified its criticism of Barcelona and Spanish referees after the Catalan side withdrew from the European Super League project. Tebas made these comments at the World in Progress Barcelona 2026 forum on Monday. He questioned Real Madrid's approach to the ongoing investigation, describing its repeated attacks on Barcelona as unacceptable.
Tebas suggested that Real Madrid's position had changed significantly since Barcelona abandoned the Super League project. He recalled that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had previously described Barcelona as a friendly club when both teams supported the proposed competition. However, the relationship deteriorated after Barcelona withdrew, with Madrid becoming increasingly vocal about the refereeing controversy.
The LaLiga president accused Real Madrid of promoting a misleading narrative about the competition and suggested that its criticism was part of a wider strategy to weaken LaLiga in favor of alternative tournaments. Tebas defended the league's handling of the Negreira investigation, saying LaLiga had taken legal action before Real Madrid became involved. He also acknowledged that Barcelona would have to accept responsibility if wrongdoing were established through the judicial process.
The controversy concerns payments Barcelona made between 2001 and 2018 to companies linked to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of Spain's Technical Committee of Referees. Spanish authorities have been investigating whether those payments were connected to attempts to influence refereeing decisions. Barcelona has maintained that the payments were for technical reports and advice on referees, denying any wrongdoing.
Tebas also criticized Real Madrid's repeated questioning of refereeing decisions, arguing that such accusations risk damaging the reputation of Spanish football. He acknowledged that disagreements over refereeing decisions are part of football but rejected suggestions that officials deliberately act against particular clubs. The LaLiga president emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the league.
The investigation remains unresolved, with no final judicial ruling establishing that Barcelona manipulated match officials. The latest remarks add to growing tensions between Tebas and Real Madrid, whose relationship has deteriorated over disputes involving refereeing, television coverage and the European Super League. Real Madrid has also previously called for Tebas' resignation following his controversial comparison of the club's communication methods to Nazi-era propaganda techniques.
The ongoing controversy highlights the complex relationships between Spanish football clubs and the challenges of maintaining integrity in the sport. As the investigation continues, Tebas and LaLiga will face pressure to ensure a fair and transparent outcome. The case has significant implications for Spanish football, and its resolution will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders.
Key points
- LaLiga president Javier Tebas accuses Real Madrid of exploiting the Negreira case.
- Real Madrid's criticism of Barcelona and Spanish referees intensified after Barcelona withdrew from the European Super League project.
- The Negreira investigation remains ongoing, with no final judicial ruling established.
