Florentino Pérez Criticizes Alleged Favouritism and Irregularities Surrounding Barcelona and La Liga

Florentino Pérez Criticizes Alleged Favouritism and Irregularities Surrounding Barcelona and La Liga

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Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has publicly raised concerns over what he describes as irregular practices involving Barcelona and the management of La Liga. His comments have stirred discussion across Spanish football, particularly due to their timing and the implications attached.

Pérez questioned the long-reported payments made by Barcelona to the former vice-president of the referees’ committee, suggesting that the amount — over €8 million across 17 years — is far from typical. He highlighted that these payments coincided with one of Barcelona’s most successful sporting eras, implying that the situation warranted greater scrutiny.

The Madrid chief also criticized La Liga president Javier Tebas for supporting proposals to stage official league matches outside Spain. Pérez argued that such initiatives undermine the identity of Spanish football and questioned the motivations behind promoting fixtures abroad.

In one pointed remark, he referenced Frenkie de Jong, suggesting even the Barcelona midfielder viewed the situation as unusual. The comment added further intrigue, though no direct statement from the player has been presented in relation to Pérez’s claim.

Pérez continued by questioning La Liga’s alleged support for Barcelona and Villarreal in connection with proposed matches in Miami. He implied that certain clubs had been offered additional financial incentives, raising concerns about fairness and equal treatment within the league.

His statements reflect a broader tension that has persisted between Real Madrid and league leadership, particularly regarding governance, transparency, and commercial decisions. Pérez has frequently positioned himself as a critic of how La Liga is being managed under its current administration.

While his comments have sparked widespread debate, they also underscore the growing divide among Spain’s major football institutions. As these issues continue to surface publicly, they add another layer of complexity to the ongoing rivalry and political landscape surrounding

Spanish football.