Real Madrid News
Pique’s leaked chat with RFEF president about refereeing ‘steams’ up Real Madrid fans
Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are often accused by each other’s fanbase of match-fixing scandals. The so-called ‘purchase’ of referees is one of the Spanish media’s favourite and bestselling topics.
El Confidencial has revealed what they claim to be a conversation between RFEF president Rubiales and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique.
The conversation is dated back to the Blaugranas‘ game against Real Sociedad in the 2019/20 season. The transcript is as follows:
Rubiales: “How are you?”
Pique: “Fu**ed. They messed up today.”
Rubiales: “What happened? Didn’t VAR see it?”
Pique: “Well, they didn’t check VAR. And it’s a clear penalty.”
Pique: “VAR did nothing. They should’ve told the referees, especially when they blew the whistle for Busi in the first half.”
Should this revelation be proven true, it would come as a black mark on Gerard Pique’s illustrious career. Using one’s personal relationships with the president of a governing body to complain, and possibly help the team is an issue that needs to be treated more seriously.
Madrid fans, especially, have not taken this well, and understandably so, due to the obvious conflict of interest.
I have no idea how this isn’t bigger headline news in world football.
— The Real Champs (@TheRealChampsFS) April 21, 2022
We are talking about a major conflict of interest.
Here is prominent player potentially trying to use his relationship with a governing body’s president to help his own team/career. https://t.co/x1YnXJnuUG
The same outlet recently released information about the centre-back’s involvement in the Spanish Super Cup being shifted to Saudi Arabia.
Pique explained the controversy and accepted his role in the decision, stating that everything they had done was legal.
“Everything we have done is legal, I’m going to expose my part in the conflict of interest I want to show my face because I have nothing to hide. I am proud of what we do at Kosmos,” he said.
Given that El Confidencial got that report spot on, there is a high chance that the leaked conversation is true too.
There is no secret that Real Madrid might consider a move for a new striker in the coming summer. With Karim Benzema slowly nearing the end of his career, the club are looking for a viable alternative ahead of the new season.
Carlo Ancelotti has been left impressed by the performances of Rodrygo in the centre forward position. But the club could still use the services of a more recognised option in the number nine position.
The Spanish giants are reportedly assessing La Liga for a potential low-cost option. But they are also open to looking through in other leagues, in their bid to add more depth in the attacking department.
To that end, Fabrizio Romano claims Real Madrid are eyeing a swoop for Roberto Firmino. The Liverpool star has become the latest player to be shortlisted by Los Blancos, with his current contract at Liverpool expiring at the end of the season.
Formerly of TSG Hoffenheim, Firmino has a stellar track record of performing in Europe. He has scored 110 goals in 361 competitive matches during his time at Liverpool, winning the Premier League and the Champions League title.
A centre forward by trade, Roberto is known for his tactical flexibility and the ability to shift into wider areas to build up the player.
It makes him an appealing target for Real Madrid, who would prefer a versatile striker in their ranks that can not only provide cover for Benzema but also the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid, though, are yet to hold any discussions with Roberto Firmino just yet. He has just been added to the list of targets and one would expect the Spanish giants to make a move once the season is over and the player becomes a free agent.
