Real Madrid held its traditional Christmas lunch with the media at the basketball pavilion of Real Madrid City, an event presided over by club president Florentino Pérez. In his address, Pérez began by thanking journalists for their presence and wishing them and their families a happy holiday season, expressing hope that 2026 will bring “health, work, and happiness.”

He also highlighted the importance Real Madrid places on its relationship with the media, stressing that it has always been based on honesty, mutual respect, professionalism, and rigor. According to the president, the club values the role journalists play in bringing Real Madrid closer to its fans around the world.

However, Pérez quickly turned to what he described as the club’s biggest concern: the state of refereeing in Spanish football. He warned that the issue has gone beyond Spain’s borders and is seriously damaging the credibility and reputation of the competition.

The president questioned the attitude of football institutions, expressing disbelief that Real Madrid remains the only club actively pursuing justice in the Negreira case. He criticized calls to “forget and move on,” insisting that the club will never do so, as he considers it “the biggest scandal in the history of football.”

Pérez also pointed directly at LaLiga and the Royal Spanish Football Federation, accusing them of failing in their duty to protect the integrity of the competition. He questioned their inaction and suggested that such behavior risks making them appear complicit in a matter of extreme seriousness.

According to Pérez, the Negreira case represents the most severe problem currently facing football, even at an international level. He pointed out that more than eight million euros were paid for referee-related technical reports that were never seen by the coaches who were supposedly their intended recipients, calling the situation incomprehensible.

He further argued that Spanish football is still suffering the consequences of a case that has severely damaged its image and underlined the urgent need for structural reform in refereeing. As an example, he cited the appointment of a VAR official who had previously threatened Real Madrid ahead of a Copa del Rey final, questioning whether such a situation would be imaginable in any other country.

Pérez also suggested that Real Madrid may not be the only victim, stating that it is possible some clubs may have even been relegated as a result of the scandal. For him, the integrity and decency of football are at stake, and justice is essential to regenerate Spanish football.

Despite the serious tone of his remarks, Pérez closed on a more optimistic note. He expressed excitement about the club’s future, highlighting the near-completion of the Santiago Bernabéu renovation. He praised the stadium’s global impact, including hosting Spain’s first official NFL game, and described the Bernabéu as a new architectural and sporting icon that enhances Madrid’s international prestige.

He concluded by once again wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a successful and happy New Year.

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