Barcelona has opened legal proceedings against Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, saying comments he made on May 12 and 13 were untrue and defamatory; the club has demanded a public correction and warned it will lodge a criminal complaint if Pérez does not comply.
Barcelona said Friday it has launched legal action after remarks attributed to Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez on May 12 and 13, which the club describes as false and damaging to its reputation. The club has formally asked Pérez to retract the statements and issue a public correction.
Barça’s legal team argues the comments harmed the club’s image and institutional interests. The club has set a deadline for a retraction and indicated it will pursue a criminal complaint if Pérez fails to comply, marking a notable escalation in the rivalry between Spain’s leading clubs.
At the time of Barcelona’s announcement, Real Madrid had made no official comment. Legal observers say the case could become complex under Spanish law, where proof of falsity and reputational damage will be central to any criminal defamation claim.
The dispute raises the stakes off the field and may affect how club officials speak about one another in the public arena going forward.
