What happened
Real Madrid Castilla coach Álvaro Arbeloa publicly endorsed club president Florentino Pérez's claim that the club was robbed of multiple La Liga titles in recent years. Asked about Pérez's remarks, Arbeloa replied: "Of course, we all know what happened these years." The comments follow Pérez's assertion that referees cost Real Madrid 18 points and as many as seven league titles.
Why it matters
The remarks deepen an ongoing institutional feud between Real Madrid and Spanish refereeing bodies, and arrive days after Madrid formally conceded the 2025-26 La Liga title to Barcelona. Arbeloa, a rising voice in the club's hierarchy, lending support to Pérez signals a unified front against La Liga's officiating amid the unresolved Negreira case. The escalation also reframes Madrid's title loss as a grievance narrative rather than a sporting concession.
What to watch
Watch for a formal La Liga or RFEF response, and whether Barcelona officials counter the framing as the Negreira case continues to develop. Arbeloa's growing public profile also keeps speculation alive about his long-term role at the club.