“Stop playing with me”: Joan Laporta sparks fresh controversy by accusing Real Madrid of referee favoritism over Negreira controversy

Joan Laporta has strongly responded to criticism surrounding the Negreira controversy by targeting long-time rivals Real Madrid. The case has created a major debate in Spanish football after accusations emerged that FC Barcelona paid former refereeing official Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira for several years. While authorities continue to examine the situation, Barcelona have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.Reports claim that Barcelona paid Negreira around $7-8 million over a period of 17 years while he served as vice-president of Spain’s referees’ committee. The club insists that the payments were made only for technical reports and advice about referees. Speaking in a recent interview with Cadena COPE, Laporta dismissed corruption accusations and accused Madrid of hypocrisy. Joan Laporta did not hold back while defending FC Barcelona’s position. During the interview, he argued that critics have ignored what he described as a long history of influence connected to Real Madrid within Spain’s refereeing structure.He questioned whether people find it acceptable that, according to him, members linked to Real Madrid controlled the refereeing committee for more than seven decades. Laporta insisted that Barcelona’s payments were simply for referee analysis and technical guidance rather than any attempt to manipulate matches. He also suggested that critics rarely raise similar questions about Madrid.Laporta argued that it is unfair to accuse Barcelona while ignoring what he believes was decades of control by individuals associated with Real Madrid. He stressed that the club only paid for professional reports about referees and rejected the idea that it was a case of sporting corruption.Laporta also claimed that the Negreira issue is part of a wider attempt to damage Barcelona’s reputation. He said the controversy was fueled by what he described as a campaign coming from Madrid. According to him, Barcelona’s actions were legal and properly documented, as the club hired a company to produce detailed reports analyzing referees’ performances. Laporta suggested that other clubs may have done similar work.He also pointed to the involvement of former referee Mejia Davila with Real Madrid as another example of what he sees as double standards in the debate.The Barcelona president further argued that critics treat Madrid’s connections to refereeing figures as normal while portraying Barcelona’s actions as controversial. He questioned whether that difference in treatment is fair.Laporta’s remarks come at a tense moment for the club. Barcelona’s presidential election will take place on March 15, where Laporta faces challenger Victor Font. The outcome could shape the club’s leadership during one of the most controversial periods in its recent history.