Arbeloa: "Negreira Case? The Biggest Scandal in Spanish Football History Remains Unresolved"

07 February 2026at14:01

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has criticized Spanish officials for their failure to find a resolution to the "Negreira case," which he described as the biggest scandal in Spanish football history.

The "Negreira case" involves payments totaling 8.4 million euros made by Barcelona FC between 2001 and 2018 to companies owned by José María Enríquez Negreira, the former vice-president of the Spanish Referees' Committee.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga clash against Valencia, Arbeloa stated, "The biggest scandal in Spanish football history remains unresolved."

He concluded, saying, "No one understands the case, and this is what should worry many."

Real Madrid is set to face hosts Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium tomorrow, Sunday, at 21:00 GMT+1, in a match counting for Week 23 of the Spanish La Liga.

Q&A

What is Álvaro Arbeloa's stance on the Negreira case?

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa criticized Spanish officials for the unresolved "Negreira case," calling Barcelona's alleged payments to referee officials the biggest scandal in Spanish football history.

How does the Negreira case involve Barcelona FC?

Barcelona FC made 8.4 million euros in payments from 2001-2018 to companies owned by José María Enríquez Negreira, former vice-president of the Spanish Referees' Committee.

Real Madrid

FC Barcelona

Spanish La Liga