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Barcelona president Joan Laporta launched a scathing attack on Real Madrid, accusing Los Blancos of attempting to "discredit Barça" and "damage football" by pushing to prolong the Negreira case.
During the recent international break, UEFA revealed that Real Madrid had submitted "a substantial amount of documents related to the ongoing investigation into Barcelona in the matter involving José María Enríquez Negreira." Los Blancos president Florentino Pérez had pledged this would occur shortly after securing victory in Real Madrid's presidential elections earlier in the summer.
Barcelona stand accused of paying more than €7 million ($7.9 million) in bribes to a firm owned by Negreira, the former vice president of Spain's refereeing committee, in a bid to secure favorable officiating. The Catalan club deny any wrongdoing and have even launched legal action against Pérez, but with the issue back in the spotlight, Laporta went on the offensive against Real Madrid.
"On the Negreira case," Laporta said on Saturday, "I've grown tired of repeating it but I won't stop making it clear that they tried to condemn us before judging us. Now that they are judging us, it's becoming evident that there is nothing to the accusations and that this will end, as I firmly believe, with Barça's acquittal.
"They have relentlessly and persistently tried to damage our reputation and tarnish Barça's image, and they will have to walk that back. There will be a time to address this once a verdict is reached, but as you know, they are trying to drag this case out as long as possible to keep the story alive.
"But it's going nowhere. They are trying to discredit Barça, and I don't think their motives are innocent. They want to harm football."
Laporta Says Real Madrid Are 'Losing Prestige'
Defending Barça's position on the Negreira case wasn't the only subject Laporta addressed; he also escalated his criticism of Real Madrid, claiming the 15-time European champions are "losing prestige."
"They [Real Madrid] are against everything," Laporta stated. "You go to every institution, you go to UEFA, to the Euro League and they are against everything and everyone. This speaks volumes about the attitude of a club that is losing prestige, recognition and credibility both domestically and internationally.
"This is just one example — the other day I was at the general assembly of the European Football Clubs and they didn't even have representation. They adopt a very arrogant, overbearing attitude and they may know what they're doing, but it is costing them enormous credibility."
"I think they should reflect and be self-critical about this," Laporta added. "Because to me it is completely out of place and inappropriate."
Real Madrid Attempting to Ruin Barça's 'Sweet Moment'
Barcelona have dominated Spanish football over the past two seasons, claiming back-to-back La Liga titles along with three additional domestic trophies to Real Madrid's none since Hansi Flick took charge. Under the German manager, the Catalans have won six Clásicos to Madrid's one, including three victories in finals.
The 2026–27 campaign has begun in equally impressive fashion, with Barça unbeaten through nine games across all competitions and already six points ahead of an unconvincing Real Madrid. Consequently, Laporta believes Los Blancos' repeated references to the Negreira case are a tactic to shift focus away from what is unfolding on the field.
"At Madrid they talk about other topics to divert attention," Laporta said. "In that sense, Barça is going through a sweet moment. We are enjoying football, enjoying the club, enjoying a beautiful chapter in our history and significant global recognition.
"We have nine players who were part of the World Cup-winning squad, we have a team that captivates people with their football, players in certain positions who are benchmarks in the football world. We receive praise from all corners. From Madrid they are trying to downplay all of this."
It remains unclear when UEFA will deliver a final ruling on the Negreira case, but what is certain is that tensions between Spain's fiercest rivals are reaching extreme levels with less than a month remaining before their first encounter of the season.