What happened between Barcelona and Real Madrid? Laporta says relations are “nonexistent”
Joan Laporta intensified his criticism of Real Madrid over its actions in the Negreira case and said relations between the two clubs have reached their limit. Meanwhile, tensions with Atlético Madrid appear to have eased.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta said relations with Real Madrid are currently “nonexistent,” pointing to the Madrid club's actions in the proceedings surrounding the Negreira case.
Speaking to Catalunya Ràdio's 'Tot Costa', Laporta said Real Madrid had acted in a way he considers “unacceptable” and once again defended Barcelona's position in the case.
“Real Madrid appeared in the Negreira case to try to prolong proceedings that will not succeed because Barça did not do what they say it did and will be acquitted,” Laporta said.
“Everything has a limit”
Laporta argued that Barcelona has yet to be cleared by the judge investigating payments to José María Enríquez Negreira, the former vice president of Spain's Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), because Real Madrid and “other actors” are, in his view, prolonging the proceedings.
According to the Barcelona president, the purpose is to “justify a narrative that doesn't hold up.”
“Everything has a limit, and relations with Real Madrid are nonexistent,” Laporta said.
Laporta and Florentino Pérez set for court meeting
Laporta's comments come after it was confirmed that he and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez are due to meet in a Madrid court on November 25 for a conciliation hearing ahead of a potential defamation complaint against the Madrid president.
Barcelona filed the conciliation request in June following comments made by Pérez on May 12, when he accused the Catalan club of “corruption,” “enriching referees” and being “always favored” by officials in reference to the Negreira case.
“What we are defending is Barça's honor, and what we cannot accept are certain statements that are false. If they don't tell the truth about certain situations and instead insult or harm Barça, they will have to face us and we will stand our ground,” Laporta said.
From the Julián Álvarez dispute to an Atlético embrace
The situation is different with Atlético Madrid. Laporta acknowledged that relations with Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín have improved following disagreements over Barcelona's unsuccessful attempt to sign Argentine striker Julián Álvarez during the summer.
The two executives met again on Tuesday at the annual European Football Clubs (EFC) assembly, formerly the ECA, in Copenhagen.
“We hugged because we thought the good relationship we have couldn't be broken. Yes, we have occasional disagreements, but in this case we prioritized the good relationship between the two institutions and the good relationship we have,” Laporta said.
The Barcelona president added that he has great appreciation for Gil Marín and said seeing each other was enough to “quickly resolve the issue.”
Two very different relationships for Barcelona
- Laporta said relations between Barcelona and Real Madrid are “nonexistent” amid their differences over the Negreira case.
- Laporta and Florentino Pérez are scheduled to meet in a Madrid court on November 25 for a conciliation hearing.
- Tensions between Barcelona and Atlético over the attempted signing of Julián Álvarez have eased following Laporta's meeting with Miguel Ángel Gil Marín.
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