Laporta accuses Real Madrid of joining Negreira case to prolong it and back its television

Joan Laporta has launched a new attack on Real Madrid over the Negreira case. The Barcelona president, who attended the European Football Clubs assembly in Copenhagen, claimed the Spanish giants joined the legal proceedings for one purpose: to drag out the case and back the editorial line of their television channel. That stance, according to his remarks, has left relations between the two clubs at zero.

• Laporta claims Real Madrid entered the Negreira case to prolong it and justify its television channel's agenda.
• He says the relationship between Barcelona and Real Madrid is currently non-existent.
• He confirms a personal and institutional rapprochement with Atlético de Madrid.
• He says he would be delighted if Lamine Yamal wins the Ballon d'Or.
• He admits concern about international breaks and the injuries to Eric García and Raphinha.

Laporta breaks with Real Madrid over the Negreira case

The Barcelona president was blunt when addressing the role of his club's eternal rivals in the case concerning payments to a former vice-president of the referees' committee. Laporta argued that it is unacceptable to distort the truth and that every time Real Madrid speaks publicly it attacks Barcelona. In that context, he explained that the club's legal department reacts against those who condemn before judging and say things that are not true. He added that Barcelona wants a correction and for the matter to be resolved.

With Madrid you already know that relations have been broken. They joined the Negreira case, and we understand they only did so to drag it out and justify what their television does and a predetermined discourse they follow. That is where the confrontation is, and the relationship is zero.

The position of the Barcelona executive reflects institutional tension that goes far beyond sporting matters. Real Madrid's appearance in the proceedings is understood at Camp Nou as a calculated move to keep the media spotlight on the case. According to Laporta, that strategy would fit with a script that Real Madrid's official television channel has been pushing.

Rapprochement with Atlético de Madrid and strong personal rapport

In contrast to the cold relationship with Real Madrid, Laporta confirmed that relations with Atlético de Madrid are now in a phase of understanding. He explained that after meeting the Atlético leadership they agreed to continue the good relationship that exists between the two clubs. The Barcelona president said he values his counterpart highly and revealed that they hugged, smoothed things over and restored the bond as it should be.

The rapprochement returns normality to a connection that had endured periods of distance in recent times. Laporta said he is satisfied with the institutional and personal reconciliation, and underlined that his Atlético counterpart is someone he appreciates greatly. The gesture stands in sharp contrast to the complete breakdown he describes with Real Madrid.

Lamine Yamal's Ballon d'Or, a wish for Barcelona fans

The conversation also touched on the Ballon d'Or. Laporta acknowledged that, as a Barcelona fan and president, he wants the award to go to a Barça player. He mentioned that there are several candidates from the club and that Barcelona feels proud of them. If the prize were to go to Lamine Yamal, he said he would be very happy.

Laporta highlighted the winger's superb season, his ability to entertain football fans around the world and his current high level. The young international has become one of the most attractive players in European football and is among the contenders for the award to be handed out at the end of the month. The ceremony on the 26th will settle the matter.

Barcelona concern over injuries during international breaks

The president also addressed the impact of national team commitments on the squad. Laporta explained that there is currently concern about these breaks, which in practice resemble a pre-season. International football is viewed with caution at Barcelona because injuries happen so easily.

That concern already has specific names attached. Laporta mentioned that Barcelona has suffered an apparently minor injury to Eric García. He also confirmed that Raphinha had to be substituted while playing for Brazil after feeling discomfort, and said the extent of the issue will be assessed. Both cases reinforce the club's fears about an international calendar that punishes players physically.

Frequently asked questions about Laporta's stance on Real Madrid