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Rafael Louzán, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), addressed the ongoing controversy known as the Negreira case with notable restraint, referring to it simply as “that.” When questioned by a journalist from El Chiringuito about the contrasting reactions between England’s handling of the Manchester City case and Spain’s approach to the Negreira affair, Louzán distanced himself completely from the matter and urged the judicial system to act swiftly.
Initially, doubts arose over the authenticity of Louzán’s response, given the era of “deepfake” videos and misinformation. Some speculated that the footage might have been manipulated to portray the RFEF president as hesitant or uncertain. However, it became clear that the video was genuine, and Louzán’s measured reply reflected a deliberate choice rather than confusion or evasion. His reaction—marked by a subtle surprise at being confronted with the topic on a day meant to celebrate the national team’s achievements—underscored his intent to avoid entanglement in the scandal.
The Federation’s Stance and the Ongoing Investigation
Louzán emphasized that he had no personal or professional involvement in the Negreira case, distancing himself from any connection to the former referee José María Enríquez Negreira, who allegedly received payments from FC Barcelona. These payments, confirmed through a tax investigation and acknowledged by the club, spanned nearly two decades and have become the subject of intense scrutiny. Despite the gravity of the accusations, Louzán chose to leave the matter to “the justice system,” a body he routinely encourages to act decisively, especially when controversies threaten to overshadow the sport.
In his brief remarks, Louzán also issued a moral reproach directed only at the individual directly implicated by the case, without elaborating further. He sought to move past the issue quickly, asserting that Spanish football enjoys “extraordinary health” and should not be overshadowed by such disputes. His comments reflect an official position aimed at preserving the integrity and reputation of the sport while awaiting the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings.
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