Scandal in Spain over the corruption accusations launched by José Manuel Villarejo, former police commissioner, against Real Madrid. Villarejo, who in the past has been involved in numerous political and financial scandals, declared on local Catalan radio Rac1 that the Madrid club and its president, Florentino Pérez, had paid bribes to La Liga referees in recent years.
"Real Madrid is a club that has always done everything possible to win, even at the cost of bribing referees," Villarejo said. "Florentino Pérez is a very powerful man and cannot be touched in this country."
The accusation was firmly denied by Real Madrid, which announced legal action against Villarejo. "The president of Real Madrid has ordered the immediate filing of the corresponding legal action against former commissioner Villarejo for the false accusations leveled against Catalan broadcaster RAC1," the club stated in a statement.
Villarejo's accusations have sparked a furore in Spain, where soccer is one of the most popular sports. Barcelona, which Villarejo has accused of paying bribes in the past, has also denied the allegations.
The investigation is still in its early stages, but if Villarejo's allegations are confirmed, it would be a scandal of enormous proportions that could have serious consequences for Spanish football.
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Villarejo's accusations
According to Villarejo, Real Madrid paid bribes to La Liga referees to boost their results. The former police commissioner claimed to have concrete evidence supporting his allegations, but did not provide details.
Villarejo also claimed that Florentino Pérez was aware of the bribes and approved them. The Real Madrid president firmly rejected the accusations, calling them "false" and "defamatory."
The consequences of the accusations
If Villarejo's accusations were confirmed, it would be a scandal of enormous proportions that could have serious consequences for Spanish football.
Real Madrid could be fined or even relegated, while Florentino Pérez could be forced to resign.
The scandal could also cast a shadow over Spanish football, which has already been embroiled in numerous scandals in recent years.
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