JOAN LAPORTA DEFENDS ALEJANDRO ECHEVARRIA, ' DOES NOT FEAR' LIONEL MESSI SPEAKING ABOUT FAILED BARCELONA RETURN

Barcelona President Joan Laporta has moved to defend advisor Alejandro Echevarria, and given his version of events regarding the failed return of Lionel Messi in 2023. The Catalan side were in talks over bringing back Messi, but during an interview on Sunday night, then manager Xavi Hernandez claimed that Laporta sabotaged his return.

During an election debate on Monday morning with fellow presidential candidate Victor Font, Laporta put Xavi’s comments down to bitterness, due to the fact that Hansi Flick was enjoying more success than him currently. Speaking to Cadena Cope on Monday night, Laporta said that the decision not to return was purely down to Messi.

“What hurts me the most is that Mr. Font has used a Barcelona legend like Xavi. I don’t quite understand why Xavi is saying that about Messi. It seemed like things were going to happen after his time at PSG; I gave him a draft contract, he came to my house and said they had decided they would be better off in Miami. And that was that. Bringing this up now only serves to muddy the waters of the elections.”

Laporta ‘does not fear’ Messi explanation

So far Messi has remained relatively opaque about his return, admitting that there were conversations, but noting that he was told Barcelona had to sell players in order to make the deal happen. La Liga President Javier Tebas claims that the league did not approve Messi’s return in terms of the salary limit situation, while Laporta’s version differs from both.

“We were just barely within the fair play requirements. The contract was sent to Jorge (Messi), and while waiting for his response, May arrived. At the end of the month, he told me they had decided on Inter Miami. And that’s how it ended. I don’t fear Messi or Jorge speaking out. I’m convinced they would tell the same story. We’ve always understood each other; I don’t think the story would change. We don’t want to distract from what matters to the Barca fans. We choose the people we want to represent us for the next five years. Xavi’s involvement adds nothing.”

Alejandro Echevarria ‘one of the best people I know’

Meanwhile another focus of Xavi’s interview was the role of advisor Alejandro Echevarria. Originally part of Laporta’s board during his first term, Echevarria resigned in 2005 after it became public knowledge that he was a patron of the Francisco Franco Foundation, which promotes the ‘work’ of the former Spanish dictator. He has returned to the club under Laporta, but has no official role.

“Alejandro works for the club; he’s completely trustworthy, especially regarding RFEF and La Liga matters. He’s always looking out for the balance in the dressing room. He’s one of the best people I know – intelligent, brave, and honest. He has those qualities. I have Masip, and Alejandro. Some people get paid, but Alejandro, for example, doesn’t. He has his own professional life and can be exempt from this. I’ve had advisors like Johan, who was my idol, and we had a great rapport.”

The former Blaugrana midfielder claims that Echevarria, Laporta’s ex-brother-in-law, has as much control as the former president himself, and that it was Echevarria that engineered his sacking.

“It’s not about who’s in charge. It’s my turn to lead, and I lead willingly, making decisions after considering the opinions of those around me. They want to cause harm; it’s a deliberate attempt to hurt me by attacking someone else. It’s despicable because if we look at how Xavi’s services were dismissed, Yuste and Alejandro were his staunchest defenders. They stuck it out through the indefensible. We said that things weren’t working anymore. I had to be the one to say it was over. I did it with a heavy heart; I appreciate Xavi, and I still do. If I saw him, I would try to understand why he did it.”

Elections are scheduled for this Sunday in Barcelona, where one of Font or Laporta will be elected as president for a five-year term. The latter is running for his fourth mandate.

- Ruairidh Barlow

'HE BETRAYED ME': BARCELONA LEGEND XAVI REVEALS WHY HE WILL NEVER RETURN TO CLUB AMID EXPLOSIVE ROW WITH PRESIDENT JOAN LAPORTA

Former Barcelona head coach Xavi and Joan Laporta have become locked in a war of words following a controversial interview in which the former Barcelona midfielder claimed the president blocked Lionel Messi from making a hero’s return to the club over fears of a power struggle. 

In a wide-ranging interview with La Vanguardia, Xavi opened up about the breakdown in his relationship with the club’s power brokers and revealed details of a failed plan to bring back club legend and former team-mate Messi in 2023.

'We had the green light from La Liga, but Laporta threw everything out. He told me, verbatim, that if Messi came back, he was going to wage war against him and that he couldn't allow it.

'I tried to talk to Leo and he wouldn't answer the phone. I spoke to his father (Jorge Messi) and told him I didn't understand anything, and he said, "Talk to the president." It was all set, it was going to be his "last dance," like Michael Jordan, everything was ready.

Xavi has claimed that Barca president Joan Laporta blocked the return of Messi due to concerns that the Argentinian would 'be more powerful than him' at the club

'I’m never going back to Barca. I’ve already done my time as a player and coach. Now I just want to tell the truth. Messi didn’t come to Barca because Laporta didn’t want him. It’s a lie that his father asked for more or that La Liga didn't want him. Laporta has all the power at the club and he knew that Messi would manage that power for him.'

Xavi also claimed he had been hamstrung by financial constraints, which he said contributed to his team’s poor performances. A request to bring in Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad was rejected, with the midfielder later joining Arsenal for £55million. 

He also pointed to the departure of Jordi Cruyff as sporting director as a symbol of the deterioration of a club whose values had long been shaped by the footballing philosophy of Jordi’s father, Johan Cruyff.

Xavi's comments come ahead of this week’s presidential election, in which Laporta is aiming to be re-elected. Club members will head to the polls on Sunday to choose between him and Victor Font. 

Laporta has since fired back at Xavi’s comments, claiming the Barcelona legend has been left embittered by the fact that his successor, Hansi Flick, has been more successful.

Laporta has hit back at Xavi's comments, saying that his presidential rival Victor Font is 'using' Xavi as part of a smear campaign ahead of this week's elections

'When I see what Xavi has said, I think about Hansi Flick,' Laporta told RAC1. 'Being Barca president is a tough job and you have to make difficult decisions. I did what I had to do.

'With Xavi, I saw that we were going to lose and that with Flick we were going to win. I understand that he's hurting. With the same players, Flick is winning.

'As for Messi, this is how it was: In 2023, I was told Messi wanted to return and I sent the contract to Jorge Messi, who later came to my house and told me that there would be too much pressure back here and that they would prefer to go to Miami.'

During the interview, Xavi also accused Laporta of being influenced by his former brother-in-law, Alejandro Echevarria, whom he claims holds real power at Barcelona.

'Laporta convinced me to stay when I had said in January I was leaving. He told me: "I don't see the team without you."

'The president got rid of me without telling me the truth, conditioned by a person who is above him, who is Alejandro Echevarría. That's to say, who really got rid of me as coach is Alejandro.

'He (Echevarria) has more power than Laporta, he betrayed me.' 

Laporta addressed those claims by suggesting his opponent in the presidential race, Font, is 'using' Xavi as part of a smear campaign ahead of the vote.

'What hurts me is that he allowed himself to be used,' Laporta added. 'To hurt me, he’s used someone from my inner circle (Alejandro Echevarria). They defended him (Xavi) even when it was indefensible for him to continue, as did Yuste. He’s eager to smear me. Behind Xavi, I understand Victor Font is trying to manipulate this electoral process.' 

- TARA ANSON-WALSH

BARCELONA PRESIDENT EXPLAINS 'SUDDEN' DEATH OF CLUB DOCTOR AS PLAYERS PAY EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES

Barcelona’s match on Saturday was postponed after the tragedy (Picture: Getty)

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken out on the ‘sudden’ death of the club’s first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.

Garcia tragically passed away on Saturday just hours before Barcelona’s match against Osasuna with the La Liga match postponed as a result.

Fans had already gathered inside the Camp Nou with Barcelona making a stadium announcement 20 minutes before kick-off and releasing a statement on social media.

The match was called off at Barcelona’s request following consultation with La Liga officials and Osasuna.

Speaking later on Saturday evening, Barcelona president Laporta confirmed Garcia died earlier on Saturday afternoon ‘at the team’s training camp’.

‘A man very much loved by everyone passed away this afternoon during the team’s gathering at the hotel,’ Laporta told Barcelona’s official website.

‘As you can imagine, the players, the coaching staff, the coach, everyone was very sad.

There was an overwhelming sense of sadness because he was a very beloved person. We all loved him.

‘He was a man who travelled to every match to take care of all the players, the coaching staff, anyone. He never said no to anyone. A great professional, a great doctor. It is very sad what happened.

‘This is very painful new. It has left us devastated, in a state of shock, because it was so sudden.

‘We got in touch with his mother and his wife to offer our condolences and support in these painful moments.

‘We wanted them to know immediately. Carles leaves behind two children Gerard and Ana. His wife, as you can imagine, was also deeply affected. we want to be there for all of them.’

Garcia (left) was a ‘beloved’ member of the Barca team (Picture: Diego Souto/Getty Images)

Devastated Barcelona players have paid tribute to Garcia with midfielder Pedri among the first to share his condolences.

‘I still can’t believe it,’ the Spain international wrote on Instagram. ‘A big hug to Carles’ family and friends.’

- Tony Mogan

LAMINE YAMAL : 'IMPOSSIBLE TO LEAVE' BARCELONA, I LOVE THIS CLUB

Lamine Yamal has said it would be "impossible" for him to leave Barcelona and that he never hears about offers from other clubs.

Barça president Joan Laporta previously claimed the club turned down a bid of €250 million (£260m) for the 17-year-old last summer, with club official Enric Masip later suggesting the offer came from Paris Saint-Germain.

"I don't hear about it," Yamal told Mundo Deportivo when asked if PSG's offer or interest from any other club had been relayed to him.

"If someone in my camp does, they wouldn't have told me, either. Firstly, and above all, because I have a contract and then because I think it's impossible that I would go to another club."

Yamal's current terms expire in 2026, but ESPN have previously revealed there is a verbal agreement to extend his deal until 2030 when he turns 18.

"I don't think anyone doubts how much I love this club," he added of his contract situation. "I have said as much since I made my debut and everything will be resolved in the end.

"If both parties want something to happen, it will happen. In July [when he turns 18 and can sign a longer-term deal], when the next season starts, everything will be resolved and everyone will see.

"But right now I am focused on LaLiga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey."

Lamine Yamal has said he is not aware of any offers to prize him away from Barcelona. Getty

In LaLiga, Yamal's five goals and league-high 11 assists have helped Barça into first place with 14 games to be played.

"Being favourites or not doesn't give you anything," he added of the title race with just one point separating Barça, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid at the top of the table.

"We have to think that we're the best team and the side that play the best football, and I think we are. We play the best football and we want to win LaLiga."

As the battle to win the league has intensified, refereeing in Spain has been under increased scrutiny, with Madrid this month complaining about decisions and even claiming match officials are "adulterating" the competition.

Yamal said he has empathy for the job referees have to do and that none of the teams in the title race -- Barça, Madrid or Atlético -- can complain.

"Recently everything is being put in doubt," he said. "A referee's job is really difficult. If you whistle one way, the other team will complain. And if neither complains, another team that's not playing does.

"I don't think we can complain, Madrid, Barça and Atlético. Referees try to do the best possible. Games between teams like Alavés and Leganés aren't spoken about as much and maybe there are more controversial moments. It's a hard job and someone will always complain."

- Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens

BARCELONA WILL PLAY TWO FRIENDLIES IN SOUTH KOREA IN AUGUST AS PART OF PRE-SEASON

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Image

According to a recent update provided by AS, it has come to light that Barcelona are set to play two friendly matches in South Korea during the upcoming pre-season tour of Asia. 

The first match will be against FC Seoul, and the second will be against either Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors or Suwon Samsung Bluewings. 

These games are scheduled for early August and are part of a broader Asian tour that will also take the team to Japan. This information comes from the event promoter D-Drive.

The arrangement for these exhibition matches was finalized in November, following an agreement between D-Drive and Barcelona president, Joan Laporta. 

This tour marks Barcelona’s return to South Korea, where they have previously played friendly matches in 2004 and 2010. In the 2010 match, Lionel Messi was part of the squad that faced a team of K League All-Stars, representing South Korea’s top football division.

Broader picture

This upcoming tour reflects FC Barcelona’s ongoing commitment to engaging with their fan base in Asia and strengthening their presence in the region. 

The inclusion of matches in both South Korea and Japan indicates the club’s strategy to connect with supporters across multiple countries.

In recent years, Barcelona have recognized the importance of the Asian market and has made efforts to establish a strong foothold. The club’s decision to return to Asia aligns with their broader objectives of global outreach and fan engagement.

Great engagement 

The matches in South Korea are expected to draw significant attention from local fans, providing an opportunity to witness Barcelona’s renowned style of play firsthand. 

As the tour approaches, more details regarding match dates, venues, and ticket availability are anticipated. 

This initiative underscores Barcelona’s dedication to expanding their global presence and connecting with fans worldwide. By bringing their matches to South Korea and Japan, the club continues to build on its rich history and international appeal.

- Swapnil Bhopatkar

BARCELONA'S JOAN LAPORTA SLAMS CRITICS: WE ARE FIXING THE CLUB

Joan Laporta is in his second spell as the president of Barcelona. Javier Borrego / AFP7 via Getty Images

Barcelona president Joan Laporta hit out at critics of his management on Saturday, as members approved the club's 2023-24 accounts during its annual general meeting.

The members present voted -- with 452 in favour and 156 against -- in favour of Laporta's board's accounts for last season, which included an overall net loss of €91 million ($98.9m), due to issues with investment in its "Barça Vision" subsidiary.

The vote, taken by delegates who represent the overall club membership, will be viewed as a victory for Laporta, as some opponents had urged members to reject the accounts.

In a speech ahead of the vote, Laporta -- who was elected for his second spell as Barça president in 2021 -- defended his board's handling of the club, which has seen them take drastic measures in an attempt to improve its finances.

These measures have included selling a proportion of the club's television rights income and assets such as audiovisual production company Barça Studios, as well as reducing the first-team wage bill.

"We haven't reached the end of the road, but it's true that we're better off in a financial and sporting sense than in 2021," Laporta said. "We're putting the finances back on a sound footing in as little time as possible. We're fixing the finances without the members having to put their hands in their pockets.

"We've cured the wound that had been bleeding since 2017. Our income has risen, at last ... we're better off, and there are clear indications of that. The reduction in the sporting wage bill means we have a better ratio of salaries to income. When we arrived, it was at 98%.

"It was unsustainable. We've also trusted in homegrown players. We only invested [this summer] in Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. [Olmo] cost €47m."

Laporta attacked the club's critics -- without naming them -- saying that they were envious of their success, referring to the investigation into payments Barça made to Spain's former refereeing vice-president, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.

"Our anthem says it. We fight against everything and everyone," Laporta said. "We fight against those who keep bringing up the Negreira case, which we're winning in court. Whenever things are going well, out they come again. There are people who don't want us to win, it makes them angry. They want to destroy us."

Barcelona are top of the LaLiga table under new coach Hansi Flick, appointed by Laporta last summer.

Flick said in a news conference on Saturday that Olmo, Gavi and Fermín López had all recovered from injury ahead of Barça's game with Sevilla, and were likely to be involved as substitutes.

"It's an important step for Gavi," Flick said, when asked about the midfielder, who last played in November 2023. "Fermin could play. Olmo will start on the bench."

- Alex Kirkland, ESPN FC

BARCELONA PRESIDENT SAYS $270M SUMMER BID FOR LAMINE YAMAL REJECTED

Lamine Yamal, who helped Spain to this summer's European Championship, is currently sidelined with a hamstring strain. Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the club turned down an offer worth $270 million (€250M) for forward Lamine Yamal in the summer.

Laporta did not reveal who wanted to sign Yamal, but various reports have suggested Paris Saint-Germain had lined the teenager up as a replacement for Kylian Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid earlier this year.

Laporta made the revelation as he defended Barça's decision to let certain players leave, denying that the club's financial problems had forced their hand in certain situations.

"There are those that think we have [transferred players] to balance the accounts," Laporta said in an interview with Barça's in-house television channel. "But that is not the case. The players that have left have left for sporting reasons.

"[Ousmane] Dembélé, [Marc] Guiu ... they won't have things as good as they did at Barça at any other club.

"We know what we are doing in the transfer market. We want those that are the best and who want to be here to stay -- and we have shown that.

"A club came to me to sign Lamine for €250M and I said no."

Since making his first team debut as a 15-year-old in 2023, Yamal has become a regular for club and country.

The 17-year-old has already made over 60 appearances for Barça and played a key role as Spain won the European Championships this past summer.

In an interview with ESPN this week, Cesc Fabregas labelled Yamal the biggest talent in world football, but there are already concerns over his exposure to senior football.

"We don't want a repeat of what happened with Pedri. Making Lamine play [against Denmark] was reckless. Of course we defended our interests and they understood our planning and what the player felt.

"Lamine is a big personality and in the end the correct criteria was applied."

Yamal returned to Barcelona on Sunday, sitting out Spain's win over Serbia on Tuesday, and is rated as touch-and-go for Sunday's LaLiga game against Sevilla.

However, Barça are hopeful he will be fine for the games which follow, against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and away at Real Madrid in the league on Oct. 26.

Yamal has scored five goals and set up five more in 11 appearances for Barça this season, forming part of the most productive front three in Europe's top five leagues alongside Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.

- Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens

XAVI SAYS BARCELONA PRESIDENT WILL HAVE TO EXPLAIN WHY HE WON'T CONTINUE AS COACH

AP Photo 

 BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Xavi Hernández said Saturday that he is leaving Barcelona with “a clear conscience” that he did his best after the club decided to part ways with the former player, but that it will be up to president Joan Laporta to explain why he is going.

“These have obviously been tough days, but my conscience is clear,” head coach Xavi said. “I have been here two-and-a-half years. It has not been easy. But I think that we can feel proud of the work we have done.”

In his first news conference since Barcelona announced on Friday that Xavi would not finish the final year of his contract, the 44-year-old said that he will now “take a break” from coaching.

His last game in charge will be at Sevilla on Sunday.

Xavi’s departure comes just one month after he had walked back a previous decision he made in January to leave the club this summer. In April, he said that he had changed his mind because the team was playing better and he believed it could bounce back from a trophy-less campaign.

Laporta had publicly celebrated Xavi’s commitment to stay at that time. But last week the president was reportedly displeased when the head coach spoke openly about how the club’s poor finances would impede it from competing with fierce rival Real Madrid.

Neither Laporta nor any club official has said why they wanted Xavi to leave, and the head coach did not shed any light on the circumstances of his exit either.

“The president told me his reasons for why he thinks the club needs a change, and I can only respect that. I am a club man,” Xavi said. “We shook hands, hugged and wished one another the best. From now on I will be just another fan.

“He will have to explain his motives.”

Xavi’s only previous coaching job was at a Qatari club before Laporta brought him back to take over at Barcelona in November 2021. He led the team to the Spanish league title last year, its first major trophy since Lionel Messi left, and signed a one-year contract extension in September.

But Barcelona struggled to compete this campaign and it will finish the league a distant second to champion Madrid.

Spanish and German media speculated that former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick would become Xavi’s replacement.

Whoever arrives will inherit a team with young talents Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and the injured Gavi Páez but with very limited financial resources to sign new players.

- JOSEPH WILSON

BARCELONA'S XAVI TO MEET LAPORTA TO DISCUSS FUTURE - SOURCES

Xavi will meet with Joan Laporta and Deco to discuss his future at Barcelona. Adria Puig/Anadolu via Getty Images

 Barcelona president Joan Laporta will meet with coach Xavi Hernández next week as he continues to weigh up whether to sack him as manager, sources have told ESPN.

Sporting director Deco -- as well as other members of the sporting directorate -- will also be present at the meeting, which will take place after Barça's final LaLiga game of the season against Sevilla on Sunday.

Club sources have told ESPN hat the meeting will serve as a debrief for Barça's trophyless season, but it comes with Xavi's future once again in the spotlight.

ESPN revealed last week that Laporta is seriously considering firing the coach and, while a decision has still not been made, there are more people inside the president's circle pushing for him to make a change.

If Xavi does leave, sources have told ESPN that Barça Atlétic coach Rafa Márquez, Hansi Flick and Brentford manager Thomas Tuchel are among the candidates to replace him. Thiago Motta and former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi have also been linked.

Meanwhile, sources have confirmed that Deco and Bojan Krkic, who works alongside the sporting director, travelled to London on Wednesday, although the motive for the trip remains unclear.

The developments represent the latest chaotic twist in a saga which has been running since January, when Xavi first announced his intention to step down at the end of the season.

In April, following a meeting with Laporta at his residency in Barcelona, Xavi U-turned on his decision and revealed he would fulfil his contract, which runs until 2025.

However, comments made by Xavi last week, in which he spoke about the harsh realities of the club's financial situation, re-opened the debate about his future once again.

While those remarks have proved the spark for Laporta to weigh up firing Xavi, sources told ESPN that the president has never fully backed the coach.

The two men will now meet next week to analyse Barça's campaign, assess where it went wrong and discuss the future, with sources saying a definitive decision on Xavi's position is likely to arrive soon after.

Xavi took over Barça in 2021 and led them to their first LaLiga title since 2019 last season, but the team have failed to kick on this year and will end the campaign without any silverware.

Last weekend's win over Rayo Vallecano did at least secure second place in the table, which guarantees a place in the Spanish Supercopa next season, but the Blaugrana came up short in the Champions League, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercopa.

- Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens

XAVI AGREES TO REMAIN BARCELONA COACH IN DRAMA

Xavi Hernández will remain Barcelona coach next season. Fran Santiago/Getty Images

 Xavi Hernández has agreed to remain as Barcelona coach until the end of his contract in 2025, reversing his decision to step down in the summer.

Xavi, 44, announced in January that he would walk away from the post at the end of the season following a string of bad results, saying that the job had also taken its toll on him mentally.

However, following a meeting with president Joan Laporta on Wednesday, sources told ESPN that the former Spain international has decided to fulfil his contractual commitment with the Catalan club.

Barcelona vice president Rafa Yuste appeared to confirm the agreement when exiting the meeting late Wednesday night.

"We had a meeting with the coach and the president in which Xavi showed us his commitment," he told reporters. "He is a Barça guy, he is the coach who can lead our project and our young players from the club. I am convinced that he will do a great job, I am very happy for him because he is a great 'culé.'

"I am happy [with Xavi staying] because I always defended the continuity of the project he started two-and-a-half years ago.

"We have not talked [in the meeting] about changes in our team at all. Xavi has shown his enthusiasm and we must support him and his staff to continue with this project."

Xavi was appointed as Barça coach in 2021, leading them to their first league title in four years last season and signing a contract extension until June 30, 2025, with an option for an additional year, in September.

The team ran into difficulties in December and January, though, when they conceded four or more goals in defeats to Girona, Real Madrid, Athletic Club and Villarreal as they were eliminated from the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.

That 5-3 loss to Villarreal in January led to Xavi's announcement that he would leave in the summer, but it also sparked a revival on the pitch.

Barça went 13 games unbeaten in all competitions, with Laporta, Yuste and sporting director Deco all expressing their desire for Xavi to continue during that run.

That streak ended last week as Barça lost 4-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League to exit the competition at the quarterfinal stage, missing out on a first semifinal appearance since 2019.

They then lost El Clásico 3-2 to Real Madrid on Sunday, leaving them 11 points behind the leaders in LaLiga and effectively out of the title race with just six games to be played.

However, sources told ESPN that those results had not affected Barça's position on Xavi and that they still hoped he would reverse his decision.

In addition to the league title won and the faith placed in young players, such as Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, Barça's financial situation also played a role in their desire to keep Xavi.

Mexico international Rafa Márquez, currently in charge of the club's B team, and German coaches Hansi Flick and Thomas Tuchel were all on the short list to come in if a new coach was needed.

On Wednesday, though, the board convened to discuss the coaching situation and reaffirmed their preference for Xavi to continue, with a final agreement then reached later in the day when Xavi met with Laporta.

- Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens

RFEF TO PROBE REAL MADRID REF CLIPS AFTER SEVILLA COMPLAINT

Vinícius Júnior argues with the referee during Real Madrid's draw with Valencia last Saturday. Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images

 The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has opened an investigation into Real Madrid TV's broadcasting of videos criticising referees ahead of games, Sevilla said on Thursday.

Sevilla filed a complaint on Feb. 24 before the two clubs met in LaLiga at the Bernabéu, claiming Real Madrid TV had undertaken a "campaign of persecution and harassment" against the referees due to take charge of the match.

Madrid's club television channel has regularly broadcast criticism of referees and their decisions before and after matches this season.

"The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), via its Judges and Disciplinary Committee, has informed us that they have opened an investigation into Real Madrid, following our complaint of the videos broadcast by Real Madrid TV in the build-up to games," Sevilla said in a statement on Thursday.

"Ahead of our match at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid TV released a video scrutinising referees Isidro Díaz de Mera and Pablo González Fuertes, the referee and VAR respectively chosen for the match.

"The club decided to take action in light of the fact that these practices, which have been a recurring theme in recent times, including before a league meeting earlier this season between the two teams, are seriously damaging to Spanish football and call the integrity of the competition and its officiating body into question.

"Furthermore, above all, this malpractice seeks to influence individual matchday referees, as the videos attempt to create an image of lack of professionalism and anti-Madrid bias, right before fixtures are scheduled to be played. This has major repercussions for matches played at the Santiago Bernabéu, as tens of thousands of Madrid fans arrive convinced that an anti-Madrid bias exists amongst referees, which increases tension significantly and creates an unfair level of pressure on them."

Sevilla are the first club to register a formal complaint over Real Madrid TV's videos, although others have also expressed their unhappiness at the practice, accusing Madrid of seeking to influence officials.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta described Real Madrid TV's videos as "shameful" in an interview with Catalan radio station RAC1 last month, calling on the RFEF to "get involved" in the matter.

Barca coach Xavi Hernandez agreed, claiming that "[the videos] influence the competition completely, week after week."

Luis Media Cantalejo, the head of Spain's refereeing body, has complained that Real Madrid TV are "putting pressure" on referees.

"There's no sport, no team in the world that does this," he told COPE radio. "What's happening with this TV channel has never happened anywhere else. What they're doing seems absolutely negative to me. I've never seen it in 40 years of refereeing."

The latest incident that left Madrid unhappy with a official's decision-making came in their 2-2 draw at Valencia on Saturday in LaLiga, when referee Jesus Gil Manzano blew the full-time whistle seconds before Jude Bellingham had the ball in the net for what have been the winning goal.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has defended Real Madrid TV's videos as "freedom of expression," called the decision "unpredecented."

In a speech to the club's AGM last year, Madrid president Florentino Perez called for government intervention in Spain's refereeing body, saying "urgent" reforms were needed to safeguard "the well-being of Spanish football."

- Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez

BARCELONA PRESIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION IN REFEREE CASE

Reuters 

Barcelona President Joan Laporta is under formal investigation for suspected bribery in a probe spanning two decades of activities at Spain's refereeing committee, according to a court document seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

In March, prosecutors filed a complaint over alleged payments of more than 7.3 million euros ($7.8 million) over 17 years to firms owned by Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, who was vice-president of the Spanish football federation's refereeing committee from 1993 to 2018.

Laporta, who started a second term as Barca's president in 2021, was also at the helm from 2003 to 2010.

PRESS CONFERENCE | JOAN LAPORTA | FC BARCELONA SCANDAL

JOAN LAPORTA | BARCELONA PRESS CONFERENCE