Real president Florentino Pérez on trial – Barça demands withdrawal
While FC Barcelona filed a lawsuit against Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez in June over alleged defamation, the Spanish president now finds himself in court. A Madrid court has summoned him and the club to a mediation hearing before a jury on November 25.
Court Date and Procedure
The court in Madrid ordered that Real Madrid's president Florentino Pérez and FC Barcelona must appear on November 25 for a mediation hearing before a jury. The order is the next step in the ongoing legal dispute between the two clubs. The case is to be resolved through mediation.
The lawsuit was filed by Barcelona in June and accuses Pérez of defamation and slander. The complaint alleges that Pérez made false statements that damage the club's reputation. The Spanish club demands the retraction of those statements.
Barcelona's Lawsuit and Demands
In an official statement, Barça said the aim of the lawsuit is for Mr. Pérez to withdraw certain statements that he knows are false. Should Pérez refuse to retract them or fail to appear at the mediation hearing, the club plans to file a criminal complaint against the president of Real Madrid.
Such a criminal complaint would further escalate the dispute and could lead to a court trial against Pérez. Barça emphasizes that the retraction of the statements is crucial to protect the club's reputation.
Madrid acts unacceptably in the Negreira case, says Laporta
Pérez's Counter‑Reaction and the Negreira Case
Pérez held a bizarre, extraordinary press conference in early May, during which he addressed numerous topics. A central issue was the Negreira case, in which Barcelona is alleged to have paid a total of €8.4 million to the former vice‑president of the Spanish Referees Committee, José María Enríquez Negreira, between 2001 and 2018.
Pérez commented on the scandal, saying: “Three years ago we learned of a corruption case like the Negreira case.” He added that there is no precedent in the history of world football and that it is the biggest scandal that remains unresolved. He criticized that referees from that era are still seen in the league.
Furthermore, Pérez said the payments spanned two decades and emphasized that they involved the same referees. He announced that he would compile an extensive dossier and promptly submit it to UEFA to resolve the Negreira case for the benefit of world football.
Finally, Pérez noted that he has been with the club for many seasons and has won only seven Champions League titles and seven La Liga championships, although he believes there should actually be fourteen, as they were “stolen” from him.
The juxtaposition of Barcelona's legal actions and Pérez's public defence highlights that the dispute goes far beyond a mere statement and involves both judicial and media fronts. The upcoming hearing on November 25 will determine whether the demanded retractions are made or further criminal proceedings are initiated.