Laporta’s defiant reply to Real Madrid’s UEFA complaint over Negreira

Joan Laporta officially began his latest mandate as president of FC Barcelona and immediately addressed Real Madrid’s complaint to UEFA over the Negreira case, declaring the club calm and confident. He told Mundo Deportivo, “They will not get their way.”

Laporta labelled Madrid’s move as another “tantrum” from the Bernabeu and reiterated that Barcelona remain composed. He emphasized that the club will not be rattled by the opposition’s attempts.

He argued the complaint serves to divert attention from Real Madrid’s own challenges, citing their obsession with becoming a public limited company and issues such as lack of music and uncertain parking arrangements. Laporta suggested the grievance is a tool to make noise.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez called the Negreira case “the biggest scandal in the history of world football” and warned that UEFA cannot allow football to stay under suspicion of corruption. Perez has been making unfounded allegations against Barcelona.

Laporta rejected Perez’s framing, stating Barcelona know UEFA’s view and that Madrid will not get away with their tactics. He described the action as another tantrum aimed at justifying nonsensical measures.

He insisted Barcelona have supplied evidence in the UEFA procedure while accusing the opposing parties of contributing nothing. Laporta noted the issue is already being handled in ordinary courts and has been pursued for a long time.

By projecting control at the start of his term, Laporta signals that Barça will not stay silent or absorb punches without responding. The ultimate resolution of the dispute remains to be seen.