FC Barcelona Files Legal Action Against Florentino Pérez Over ‘Systemic Corruption’ Claims
FC Barcelona has initiated legal proceedings against Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez, scheduling a conciliation hearing for November 25 at 9:40 a.m. in Madrid. The club seeks a public retraction from Pérez regarding allegations of “systemic corruption” linked to the Negreira case, threatening a criminal complaint for slander under Article 205 of the Spanish Penal Code if a resolution is not reached.
Conciliation Hearing Set for November 25 in Madrid
The legal dispute will move to the Madrid courts on November 25, where both parties are summoned to room 1/2 for a mandatory conciliation act. This step is a prerequisite under Spanish law before FC Barcelona can formally file a criminal complaint for slander. The club’s primary objective is to force Pérez to retract specific statements made during a press conference on May 12 and a subsequent media interview the following day.
Pérez Allegations of ‘Systemic Corruption’ and Stolen Titles
The conflict stems from a press conference where Florentino Pérez announced the call for Real Madrid elections. During the event, Pérez claimed that FC Barcelona had consistently benefited from a system of “paid corruption” spanning 20 years. He described the situation as “systemic corruption” and suggested that the UEFA should intervene in the matter.
Pérez further alleged that Real Madrid had been robbed of titles, stating that while he has won seven European Cups and seven Leagues, he could have won 14 if not for the actions of his rival. He revealed that Real Madrid was preparing a 500-page dossier to be sent to UEFA, calling the Negreira case the greatest corruption scandal in the history of world football.
Barcelona’s Response and Legal Strategy
FC Barcelona reacted to these claims through Vice President Rafa Yuste, who accused the Real Madrid president of using “infamy” to destabilize the Catalan club. Yuste stated that the club’s legal department had prepared actions to protect the image and reputation of the club’s shield.
In an official communication, FC Barcelona confirmed the filing of the conciliation demand, asserting that Pérez made statements with “knowledge of their falsehood.” The club stated that if the demand for a retraction is not met, they will proceed with a criminal lawsuit under Article 205 of the Penal Code.
Broader Context of the Barça-Madrid Rift
The judicial escalation follows a period of deteriorating relations between the two Spanish giants. This tension has been exacerbated by FC Barcelona’s decision to abandon the European Super League project, a venture heavily promoted by Florentino Pérez. The legal battle over the Negreira comments represents the latest flashpoint in a wider institutional conflict between the two clubs.
The next confirmed step in the process is the conciliation hearing on November 25 at 9:40 a.m. in the Madrid courts.
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