Florentino Launches Unmatched Offensive Against Real Madrid Rivals During Assembly Address

In what has been labeled an “unprecedented assault”, Florentino criticized La Liga, its president Javier Tebas, UEFA, and Barcelona regarding the Negreira issue and the officiating system.

His address lasted an hour and 18 minutes, receiving numerous standing ovations from the attendees.

Injuries and Scheduling Have Plagued the Last Two Seasons

We’ve secured 30 trophies over fifteen seasons. Nevertheless, we understand the expectations tied to Real Madrid. Last season, we fought until the end, yet it was a particularly challenging year with injuries that sidelined players like Carvajal and Militao for almost the entire season. Ceballos, Camavinga, and Mendy also faced significant time off. Competing in over 80 matches is an incredible achievement given the increasing demands of our schedule.

A Decisive Blow to UEFA and a Confirmed Billion-euro Lawsuit

It’s not about opposing everything; we stand against what is unlawful or unethical. It’s neither typical nor legal for institutions to hinder clubs from organizing their events. For UEFA to attempt to determine our fate and compel us into formats detrimental to fans is unacceptable. No one can penalize us; clubs operate freely, as recently established by the Provincial Court ruling. We hold both rights: to seek billions in damages and to create our own competition, both of which we will pursue. UEFA leaders are accountable to their constituents. This has resulted in us playing matches in Asia or near China. It is unreasonable that in the 21st century, football viewership continues to escalate in cost.

A Critique of La Liga and Tebas

It is unreasonable for the president of La Liga to enforce a game on us in Miami, an action even Barça’s captain, Frank de Jong, finds odd. Additionally, La Liga’s support for Barcelona and Villarreal receiving extra financial boosts for playing in Miami is troubling. Tebas likened this match to the NFL’s unsuccessful Miami game. That NFL event complied with competition regulations and had widespread support; it was entirely different and lacked UEFA’s endorsement. This is merely a failed endeavor, and it’s shocking that La Liga’s fees surpass those of the Premier League by six times.

Concerns Over the Officiating System and at Barça

The standard of refereeing in Spain is unacceptable. It’s astonishing that none of the 35 Spanish referees were selected by FIFA. Furthermore, Barcelona’s payment of over 8 million euros to the vice-president of the referees’ association for at least 17 years is also unacceptable. This lengthy period of payments corresponds conveniently to Barcelona’s strongest performances in our league.

Further Disapproval of Tebas Concerning the Legends Museum and Media Funding

It’s also problematic that La Liga continues to squander large sums of our money due to the Legends museum’s failure, intended to justify investments in media outlets that aim to undermine Real Madrid. It is alarming that such actions are executed opaquely; their president has resisted providing us with the necessary information.

The Agreement With CVC and Barça’s Change of Stance

Numerous clubs are realizing that sacrificing portions of their income for 50 years threatens their futures under the CVC deal. We expect this arrangement to be invalidated in court, with Madrid, Barcelona, and Athletic litigating against it. I regret to mention that Barcelona voiced initial opposition but conveniently withdrew once they could register players thanks to La Liga.

Real Madrid’s Opposition Against La Liga

I have a few more remarks to make. The responsibility now lies with them to determine the proper liabilities. La Liga’s president acted independently and must face the consequences. Moreover, we shouldn’t overlook the disgraceful manner in which La Liga addressed the players’ protests. The evident censorship by La Liga caused a public outcry, and it’s perplexing whether the greater embarrassment was a 30-second delay in connection or hiding behind a “commitment to peace”. But what peace?

The Disparity in League Achievements With Real Madrid

Is it normal for many Real Madrid players to possess more European Cups than league titles? Carvajal is one such example. Some have attained up to six. Yet the maximum number of league titles one has is five. Most have four. This raises questions for me as president. Is this typical? No.

Tebas’s Belief in His Position

Naturally, I don’t consider it standard for La Liga’s president to simultaneously hold the vice-presidency of the RFEF. Additionally, I want to reveal something previously unknown: he offered me a position within the Federation, to which I had to respond, “You really don’t know me”. That’s it.

The Former ECA Also Faces Scrutiny

We sought a resolution with UEFA, but it was unfeasible. They prompted us to engage with the ECA, but they expect us to waive any legal actions against UEFA. This could entail surrendering billions in claims that we intend to pursue.

Refereeing Controversies During the Cup Final

Real Madrid is the sole club that has gone to court regarding this matter. Fran Soto (the referees’ association president) has implored us to move forward and forget it, but how can we forget? It’s unacceptable that a majority of referees implicated in the “Negreira case” remain active. This situation compromises their neutrality. How can it be justifiable that before the Copa del Rey final, the main referee and the VAR referee (De Burgos Bengoechea and Pablo González Fuertes) threatened implications aimed at our club? Right before a Copa del Rey final? He should have faced dismissal, yet nothing occurred.

Xabi’s Promising Role

The essence lies in a merger of extraordinary players and budding talents, a blend of individuals committed to Real Madrid’s ethos. We welcomed Xabi, who embodies our values and is well-acquainted with our club, as a perennial winner. Furthermore, we have recruited exceptional players.

Tributes to Ancelotti, Modric, Lucas, and Vallejo

We have emerged from a period that will be permanently etched in the memories of Real Madrid supporters, and I urge you to recognize Ancelotti, our most successful coach with fifteen titles. He has secured our everlasting admiration. Likewise, Modric (Florentino pauses for applause). He is already a cherished figure at Real Madrid, an exemplar both on and off the pitch, revered by everyone. He is the most decorated athlete in our history. Lucas Vázquez stands as a remarkable product of our academy; he has captured the hearts of Madrid fans and exemplified conduct since joining the organization, now a legendary figure. Lastly, I extend gratitude to Jesús Vallejo, who departs Real Madrid with 13 titles.

The Youth Academy and a Tribute to Raúl

Permit me to express a special acknowledgment to Raúl. In 2020, he led our youth team to a triumph in the Youth League and has consistently been an inspiration for our younger athletes. Thank you, dear Raúl. We have witnessed Asensio and Gonzalo achieve great heights. Gonzalo stood out as the top scorer at the Club World Cup. Eight players who graduated from our academy have made their first-team debuts: Carvajal, Asensio, Fran García, Valverde, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Carreras, and Gonzalo.