Former Barcelona President Joan Laporta has issued strong statements concerning the ongoing Negreira case, directly accusing Real Madrid of exerting influence over the Referees Committee (CTA) for decades. These remarks come as Barcelona faces accusations of sporting corruption linked to payments made to companies associated with former CTA Vice-President José María Enríquez Negreira. Barcelona staunchly maintains its innocence.
Laporta, who is seeking re-election, highlighted that while Barcelona engaged consultants for referee analysis, Real Madrid allegedly had its members leading the Referees Committee for 72 years. “Don’t you think it’s shameful that for 72 years the committee was run by Real Madrid members? All members. Isn’t that shameful?” Laporta questioned rhetorically, asserting that Barcelona sought legitimate refereeing advice, not sporting corruption.
Laporta Defends Barcelona’s Actions
He dismissed allegations of impropriety against Barcelona, stating that the club “acted very appropriately” by hiring firms to compile reports on referee performance. Laporta suggested that Real Madrid likely engaged in similar practices, pointing to Real’s connections within the CTA and implying they “perhaps didn’t even need to hire refereeing experts because they were already doing it, even better.” He challenged the perceived double standards, asking, “Doesn’t that seem disgraceful to you? It seems perfectly normal to you. Didn’t you realise that in Madrid or what? Is what Barca does disgraceful? Wasn’t what Madrid did disgraceful?”
Superleague Withdrawal Explained
Laporta also addressed Barcelona’s decision to withdraw from the Superleague project, which was spearheaded by Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez. He stated that he had forewarned Pérez of Barcelona’s intention to exit the project due to unmet financial expectations. According to Laporta, despite prior agreements with Barcelona for a unified approach to UEFA, Real Madrid later pursued its own interests. Laporta clarified that Barcelona’s withdrawal was a strategic move to safeguard the club’s finances, particularly when the anticipated €200 million in funding did not materialize. He further commented, “When Real Madrid is in a slump, some decision always seems to come along that helps them. I hope I can put that idea out of my head. Real Madrid’s television coverage doesn’t reflect the reality of today.”
DR Congo Sponsorship Deal Justified
Finally, Laporta responded to criticism regarding Barcelona’s sponsorship deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s tourism board, which is reported to bring in €11 million per season. He defended the agreement, stating, “We’re being paid €44m; it’s a very good agreement,” and asserted its connection to a peace treaty between Congo and Rwanda. He also noted its aim to create safe spaces for youth through the club’s Foundation, preventing their involvement in mining activities. “We’re focusing on compliance first. Through the Foundation, we’re looking for safe spaces to help young people and prevent them from ending up in the mines,” Laporta clarified.
