Xabi Alonso has expressed his support for Florentino Pérez’s call for “justice” regarding the Negreira investigation. The Real Madrid manager stated, “For the good of football, we need to uncover the truth about what transpired.”
Barcelona president Joan Laporta, along with former coaches Luis Enrique and Ernesto Valverde, provided witness testimony last Friday to the judge overseeing the inquiry into over €7 million ($8.2 million) paid by Barça to former referees’ committee vice president José María Enríquez Negreira between 2001 and 2018.
On Monday, Pérez condemned Spain’s officials and football governing bodies in a speech during the club’s Christmas media reception, referring to the Negreira case as “the biggest scandal in the history of football.”
Pérez claimed that Spanish football has “left [Real Madrid] alone” in dealing with this matter, indicating that the inquiry underscores the necessity for “radical change” and suggesting that “it’s possible that clubs were relegated” as a result of these events.
“We align with the club’s and the president’s position,” Alonso articulated in a news conference on Tuesday before Madrid’s upcoming match against Talavera de la Reina in the Copa del Rey. “It is crucial that we ascertain the truth for the betterment of football.”
The criminal investigation into the Negreira case has been ongoing for two and a half years, and judge Alejandra Gil is now considering whether to advance the case to a full trial.
Barcelona has acknowledged the payments made to companies associated with Negreira, but Laporta reiterated during his testimony that these payments were for scouting reports on referees.
“We are all human and make mistakes. However, this is a case that requires investigation,” Alonso stated on Tuesday. “Overseas, what has occurred here genuinely astonishes people — there have been no consequences or accountability. That’s why it’s vital to uncover the truth; it’s not normal and shouldn’t be accepted as such.”
Earlier Tuesday, the newly-formed Spanish referees’ union, AESAF, issued a statement confronting Pérez for his remarks about officials, emphasizing that “no referee has been investigated or charged” in relation to the Negreira inquiry.
“It is legitimate for everyone to protect their interests,” Alonso remarked when addressing the union’s statement.
Alonso’s role as head coach has come under scrutiny after a challenging stretch, though Madrid rebounded with a 2-1 victory against Alavés on Sunday. “The situation has remained consistent before and after [the Alavés match]: we communicate well and are in this together,” Alonso commented.
Reports have indicated that Madrid’s recent performances have raised doubts among senior executives about Alonso’s coaching approach and player management.
“The Xabi who joined in June is not the same today,” Alonso reflected. “The essence remains, but I am learning, adapting, and getting to know the squad. I believe the same applies to the players… If we become a stronger team by March, that’s positive news, and ideally, even better at the season’s end.”