SUMMARY
- Both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have been major influences in La Liga.
- Previously, there was a controversial match between Real Madrid and Valencia.
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are two of the biggest soccer clubs in the world. Both the clubs have a rich legacy and a history that dates back to over 100 years. Some of the greatest players in soccer history have played for either of the two clubs. As a result, both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have a big influence in the soccer world, and even more so in La Liga.
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are the two clubs with the most and second-most La Liga titles in history, respectively. While Real Madrid currently has 34 La Liga titles, FC Barcelona has won 27 of those. With their soccer legacy, enormous fanbase, and huge revenue stream backing them up, the two Spanish giants enjoy a certain amount of sway in the Spanish league.
However, over the last few months, FC Barcelona has been hit with charges of bribery. Back in September 2023, some reports emerged that suggested that FC Barcelona had been making payments to a company owned by Jose Maria Enrique Negreira, a former vice president of Spain’s referees’ committee, between 2001 and 2018. While the club hasn’t denied making the payments, it has rubbished the charges of bribery.
Barça will not be able to accuse Negreira and Justice disgraces the club that seeks to “dilute” his responsibility.
The Barcelona Court prevents FC Barcelona from being listed as an injured party, since it is being investigated for the same crimes… https://t.co/gGV6yhgIQ0
— Mr. Muñoz (@Mr_MoonYoz) March 13, 2024
After the details emerged, Real Madrid issued a statement and said that there were clear indications of sports corruption. Owing to the huge rivalry that exists between the two clubs, Real Madrid‘s statement didn’t go down well with the FC Barcelona supporters. Moreover, the fans have also pointed out that while FC Barcelona is being accused of corruption, Real Madrid’s actions too haven’t been squeaky clean!
Referee Gil Manzano continues to remain sidelined after a major gaffe during Real Madrid-Valencia clash
One of the biggest talking points in the soccer world recently was the controversial match between Real Madrid and Valencia earlier this month. In what was a grueling La Liga encounter, both sides remained deadlocked at 2-2 even after 90 minutes of play. However, deep into injury time, Jude Bellingham scored for Real Madrid, only for the match official, Gil Manzano, to disallow it.
The controversy started because just before Jude Bellingham had scored, the match official had blown the full-time whistle. Manzano’s decision didn’t go down well with the Real Madrid players, who pleaded their case before the Spanish referee. Bellingham, whose goal was disallowed, even ended up being shown a red card by Manzano. Following the match, Manzano was suspended by the Technical Committee of Referees.
Official: La Liga referee Gil Manzano has been excluded from the referees list for the 2nd weekend in a row, following the situation with Real Madrid’s match. pic.twitter.com/ynNYqKRG8A
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 14, 2024
While there’s no denying that Gil Manzano had made a big error, it hasn’t been the first instance that a referee has stopped the game just before a goal was scored. Interestingly, a similar incident occurred during Sevilla’s 3-0 La Liga win over Real Valladolid last year, when referee Ortiz Arias chalked off Valladolid’s goal. Surprisingly, Ortiz Arias’ punishment wasn’t as harsh as Gil Manzano’s.
La Liga president has admitted to being a Real Madrid fan
Another important thing to point out is La Liga president Javier Tebas’ long-standing admission of being a Real Madrid supporter. Tebas, who has remained as the president of La Liga since 2013, was re-elected last year and will remain as the president till 2027, which will be his last term. However, Tebas has previously admitted that he has been a fan of Los Blancos since his childhood.
Back in 2015, just a week ahead of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid’s annual derby, also known as El Clasico, Tebas admitted that he has always been a Real Madrid fan. He said, “If I say I don’t support Madrid, then that would be hypocritical and I would be painted as a liar.” While Tebas has insisted that, despite his affinity for Real Madrid, he is neutral in his role as a president, it’s certainly not good for the head of an institution or body to have a bias towards a particular party.
Real Madrid prez was also accused of corruption and bribery
Meanwhile, when FC Barcelona was being accused of bribery, a similar accusation was also leveled at Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. Former police commissioner Jose Manuel Villarejo reportedly claimed during a radio interview that Florentino Perez engaged in corrupt activities such as paying match officials. Moreover, Villarejo went on to the extent of claiming that almost all presidents of every soccer club in La Liga have engaged in similar activities.
🚨 José Manuel Villarejo, former Spanish police commissioner, has accused Real Madrid of buying referees:
“Before that (the Negreira case), I had already detected the same thing with Real Madrid.
In this country, nothing involving Florentino Pérez can be prosecuted. Anyone who… pic.twitter.com/IRpwluOkyo
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 3, 2023
However, Villarejo also highlighted how Perez used his influence and power to shield himself from such accusations. He said, “It is impossible to prosecute anything that involves Perez. It would be suicide for anyone who dares to do so. Florentino is untouchable.” However, Real Madrid stated in retaliation to Villarejo’s accusations and labeled them as untrue.
