Representatives from Real Madrid and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) met on Thursday in Jeddah for an extended discussion that touched on several sensitive and high-profile issues affecting
Spanish football. The meeting took place just hours before Real Madrid’s Super Cup match and lasted close to 90 minutes, making it the longest of the Federation’s recent meetings with clubs involved in the competition.
The RFEF delegation was led by president Rafael Louzán and included general secretary Álvaro de Miguel, Referees’ Technical Committee president Fran Soto, and general manager Manuel Lalinde. Real Madrid were represented by a club delegation headed by institutional relations director Emilio Butragueño.
Unlike the Federation’s meetings with the other Super Cup semifinalists, this encounter stood out not only for its duration but also for its discretion. No official photographs were taken, and there was a sensitivity to the discussions and the strained institutional relationship between the two parties.
According to Marca, despite ongoing tensions, the meeting reportedly unfolded in a respectful and professional atmosphere. One of the central topics raised by Real Madrid was the Negreira case, with the club maintaining a firm stance on the need for accountability. Madrid reiterated its view that the situation has serious institutional consequences for Spanish football and pressed the Federation for greater transparency, clarification, and concrete repercussions.
The issue of hosting official matches outside Spain was also addressed. Real Madrid expressed concern over what it perceives as decisions being made with insufficient consultation. The club emphasized the importance of dialogue and consensus among all stakeholders, warning that unilateral moves could undermine the integrity and balance of domestic competitions.
Florentino Pérez did not attend the meeting. The Real Madrid president is not expected to travel to Saudi Arabia unless the club qualifies for the Spanish Super Cup final.
The Jeddah meeting marked the conclusion of the RFEF’s round of talks with the clubs participating in the competition.
