Florentino Pérez: "Barça Paid €8 Million to Referees Over 17 Years; Only Real Madrid Can Challenge Authority"

November 23 – The 2025 General Assembly of Real Madrid Club de Fútbol was held today.

Florentino Pérez did not hold back in his criticism of Barcelona and Villarreal regarding the failed match organized in Miami.

"It is abnormal for the La Liga president to promote a match outside Spanish territory. Even their captain, Frenkie de Jong, found it abnormal.

It is equally abnormal for La Liga to support Barcelona and Villarreal playing a match in Miami and grant them additional financial incentives. Yet, we have to listen to Mr. Tebas compare this match to NFL games. NFL games are impeccable and entirely legitimate.

This comparison is absurd because NFL games have the support of all participating clubs. The Miami match did not. Not even UEFA supported it. This is just another attempt by the La Liga president to impose his will."

Florentino also criticized the standard of refereeing in Spain.

"The level of Spanish refereeing is also unacceptable. It is a disgrace that FIFA did not select a single Spanish referee for the recent Club World Cup.

Of course, it is also abnormal that Barcelona paid over €8 million to the vice-president of the Spanish Referees' Committee over at least 17 years. Whatever the reason, this vice-president held a key position. Coincidentally, this period coincided with Barcelona's most successful domestic run."

He again took aim at La Liga and the media.

"It is abnormal for La Liga to allocate funds to media entities. Some media organizations were established with the purpose of harming Real Madrid, such as Relevo. What is more concerning is their lack of transparency. Their president has refused to provide us with relevant information."

"It is abnormal for La Liga to continue losing millions of euros due to the failure of the Legends Museum, which was originally intended to justify media investments.

Ultimately, it is abnormal that football is controlled by those who only seek to protect their own privileges. I will elaborate on this later, but I first want to explain why Real Madrid should lead the resistance."

He spoke about Real Madrid's stance.

"Real Madrid is likely the only club in Europe with sufficient strength to face this challenge. There are more Real Madrid fans worldwide than the population of the countries in the European Union. We are the club with the most honors and the strongest financial resources.

Our strength lies in being one big family, united by shared values and centered on the history of Real Madrid.

We fear nothing. We comply with all regulations. Registration failures do not pressure us. Unfortunately, most clubs are not in this position. Many clubs are struggling. We all know, especially in La Liga, that their lives would be much easier if they simply followed the president's decisions."

Source: X