Javier Tebas backs Barcelona over Florentino Pérez comments

Javier Tebas, chief of La Liga, replied in writing to a letter from Barcelona acting president Rafael Yuste, signalling support for the Catalan club’s concerns over Florentino Pérez’s remarks about the Negreira case. He stopped short of announcing any concrete measures. Tebas said he shares Barcelona’s worries that Pérez’s comments could cast doubt on the competition’s integrity, the work of referees, and the overall image of Spanish football. He argued that such statements risk undermining confidence in the league’s officiating standards. In his response, Tebas highlighted that La Liga has previously taken action against Real Madrid for statements deemed excessive or damaging, citing complaints filed with football authorities over content broadcast on Real Madrid TV. He also referenced past criticism directed at individual referees as examples of the league’s willingness to intervene. Tebas noted that several of those earlier cases remain active through various legal channels. He emphasized that the league considers such communications potentially harmful to the competition’s atmosphere.

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Barcelona’s complaint argued that Pérez’s remarks undermined La Liga’s image and placed the refereeing system under suspicion, describing the club’s championships as “stolen”. The Catalan side demanded action from the Spanish football authorities, including the RFEF and the CTA. Tebas drew a distinction between the ongoing judicial investigation into the Negreira case and broader assessments of Spanish football, stressing La Liga’s involvement in legal proceedings to clarify facts. He insisted the case should not be used to question titles, results, or the legitimacy of current competitions. He stated that La Liga will examine the statements reported by Barcelona and decide whether any action falls within the organisation’s powers. The reply arrived two days after Barcelona formally demanded action over Pérez’s comments. Tebas’s letter underscores the continuing tension between the two clubs regarding referee‑related commentary.