Florentino Pérez doubles down on Negreira case and refereeing concerns at Real Madrid’s Christmas lunch
Florentino Pérez used Real Madrid’s traditional Christmas lunch with the press to deliver one of his most forceful public interventions of the year, centering his message on what he described as “the most serious
case in football today”: the Negreira scandal.
Speaking Monday at Real Madrid City, the club president combined institutional reflection with pointed criticism of Spanish football’s governing bodies, while also touching on refereeing decisions that affected Real Madrid in their recent match against Alavés.
“How can we forget the biggest scandal in the history of football?”
Pérez made it clear that Real Madrid has no intention of letting the Negreira case fade from public scrutiny. He expressed disbelief that football institutions have suggested moving on, particularly given the scale and duration of the alleged misconduct.
“The Negreira case is the most serious case in football today,” Pérez said. “How is it possible that the president of the referees asks us to forget it? How can we forget the biggest scandal in the history of football?”
The Real Madrid president emphasized that more than €8 million were allegedly paid over nearly two decades for referee-related services, raising serious questions about sporting integrity.
“We know that more than eight million euros were paid for referee reports,” Pérez said. “And to top it off, the coaches never even received them. Who can believe that money was paid for reports the coaches weren’t even aware of?”
Pérez went further, warning of the broader consequences for Spanish football, suggesting that the damage may extend far beyond one club.
“It’s possible that some clubs have been relegated because of the Negreira case,” he said. “Our football has been damaged, and justice must be served.”
“Why? What was the purpose?” Pérez asked. “That’s what needs to be answered.”
Isolation and institutional silence
A recurring theme in Pérez’s speech was Real Madrid’s sense of isolation in pursuing accountability. He criticized both the RFEF and LaLiga for what he views as a failure to uphold their responsibility to protect the integrity of the competition.
“It is completely incomprehensible that the institutions have left Real Madrid alone in this fight,” Pérez said. “They have a duty to ensure integrity.”
The president called on the media to play an active role in keeping the issue alive, framing journalism as a key pillar in the pursuit of transparency and justice.
Refereeing decisions and recent controversies
Pérez also referenced refereeing decisions from Real Madrid’s recent match against Alavés, specifically incidents involving Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo.
“It seems that the fouls on Vinícius and Rodrygo weren’t considered penalties,” he said, describing the decisions as part of a growing list of contentious calls this season.
He added context by noting that the VAR referee involved had previously threatened action against Real Madrid ahead of a Copa del Rey final, heightening the club’s concerns around refereeing neutrality.
Club values, global reach, and optimism
Beyond controversy, Pérez opened his address with a broader reflection on Real Madrid’s identity and values. He thanked journalists for their work, honored colleagues who had passed away during the year, and highlighted the club’s global impact through the Real Madrid Foundation, which now helps more than 400,000 people worldwide.
“This club represents millions of people,” Pérez said. “Real Madrid is something very special, and that gives us a great responsibility.”
He also highlighted the club’s continued institutional strength, citing Deloitte and Forbes rankings that place Real Madrid as the highest-earning and most valuable club in the world, and expressed pride in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history across football and basketball.
Looking ahead, Pérez struck an optimistic tone regarding the completion of the Santiago Bernabéu renovations, calling the stadium one of Madrid’s great attractions and pointing to events like the NFL game as evidence of the club’s evolving future.
A clear message
Pérez closed his remarks by wishing the media a Merry Christmas, but the central message of the afternoon was unmistakable. Real Madrid will continue to press for accountability in the Negreira case, and the club’s president has no intention of allowing what he calls the biggest scandal in football history to be forgotten.
“Real Madrid will continue to press the issue,” Pérez said. “And you in the media play a crucial role.”
