Barcelona Initiates Legal Action Against Real Madrid President Florentino Perez Over 'Slanderous' Comments
Barcelona has begun legal proceedings against Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, filing a request for conciliation. The action stems from comments Perez made regarding the 'Negreira case', which Barcelona deems 'slanderous' and harmful to its reputation. Under Spanish law, this conciliation process offers Perez an opportunity to retract or correct his statements before Barcelona pursues a formal criminal complaint for defamation. Perez's remarks were made during a May 12 press conference and a subsequent media interview, where he described the Negreira case as a major scandal. Barcelona alleges his statements were knowingly false and damaged the club's image.
Barcelona has initiated legal action against Real Madrid president Florentino Perez following comments he made concerning the 'Negreira case'. The club confirmed it has filed a request for conciliation against Perez.
This legal step, outlined under Spanish law, provides the accused individual with an opportunity to withdraw or correct their statements before a formal court case commences. Barcelona stated that if Perez declines to retract his comments, the club intends to proceed with a criminal complaint.
Barcelona's decision to take action against Perez targets remarks made during a press conference on May 12 and in a media interview the subsequent day. The club contends that some of Perez's statements were knowingly false and detrimental to Barcelona's reputation.
In an official statement, Barcelona clarified that the purpose of the filing is to secure a retraction of comments it considers slanderous and damaging to the club's image. The case is being pursued under Article 205 of Spain’s Penal Code, which addresses defamation.
Perez's comments were related to the ongoing investigation into payments totaling approximately €8.4 million made by Barcelona to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of Spain's referees' committee. This issue has been identified as one of the most controversial in Spanish football history.
During his May press conference, Perez characterized the matter as "the biggest scandal in history" and an unprecedented instance of corruption. He also highlighted that referees from the period under investigation continue to officiate in competitions. Perez further indicated that Real Madrid was compiling an extensive dossier on the case, which he stated would be submitted to UEFA after the season, containing hundreds of pages of information.
These comments were made shortly before Perez secured re-election as Madrid president, retaining his seat with 65% of the vote against Enrique Riquelme.
According to Yahoo Sports Soccer, Barcelona seeks to protect its image and reputation through these legal proceedings.
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