Florentino Perez Avoids Meeting Barcelona President

Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid, has declined to participate in a traditional pre-match meeting with Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona, ahead of their recent encounters. This decision underscores the strained relationship between the two iconic clubs, exacerbated by off-field disputes.

Pre-match engagements between the presidents of Real Madrid and Barcelona, such as lunches or dinners, have long been a hallmark of El Clasico. However, these customs have been noticeably absent in recent years. The tensions began to escalate in 2023, when Perez refused to attend the Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou after Laporta canceled the traditional pre-match meal. The cancellation coincided with Real Madrid's announcement to act as a private prosecutor in the controversial Negreira Case, which involved allegations against Barcelona for payments to a former refereeing official.

In October 2024, the tradition faced another disruption when the pre-match lunch was canceled again. Official explanations pointed to scheduling conflicts, but insiders noted that the growing animosity between the two clubs played a significant role. Instead, a brief and formal interaction took place in the Bernabeu box, lacking the usual camaraderie associated with these engagements.

The strained relations between Perez and Laporta mirror a broader 'cold war' between Real Madrid and Barcelona at an executive level. Disputes over the European Super League project and the lingering controversies surrounding the Negreira Case have further widened the rift. These issues have not only affected executive relations but have also fueled tensions between the fanbases of the two clubs.

The absence of these pre-match traditions highlights the growing divide between the two footballing powerhouses. As El Clasico continues to be one of the most-watched fixtures globally, the off-field dynamics between the clubs add another layer of intrigue to their storied rivalry.