Laporta criticises Real Madrid as Mbappe injury rumours fuel debate

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has criticised Real Madrid over the Negreira case and the breakdown in relations between the clubs, while also addressing speculation surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s international commitments.

Laporta was speaking at the 33rd meeting of European Football Clubs (EFC), formerly known as the European Club Association (ECA), in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was Barcelona’s first appearance as a full member since the club left the organisation during its attempt to establish the European Super League.

He told Mundo Deportivo that Barcelona appreciated the welcome it had received on returning to the organisation, and thanked its chairman, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, for playing a key role in the club’s return.

“We are dealing with this with the same sense of responsibility that Barcelona always shows when participating in European institutions,” Laporta said. “We are very pleased to be here.”

He added that clubs shared a responsibility to improve competitions, strengthen their finances, create opportunities for young players and protect footballers.

Laporta also discussed the international injury schedule after Eric Garcia appeared to suffer a minor injury and Raphinha was forced to leave Brazil’s match after feeling discomfort. He said there was concern because injuries were common during international football breaks, which also serve as a period of preparation for the season.

“Real Madrid had the same situation with Mbappe,” he said. “I do not know exactly how serious his injury is, and we hope it is not serious.”

Asked about reports that Mbappe had avoided France matches by claiming to be injured in order to return to Real Madrid, Laporta said he had no additional information beyond what had been reported in the media.

“We want our players to participate actively with our clubs and be fully ready to play for us,” he said. “We know they have to join their national teams; it is an obligation and we respect it, but we train them and prepare them to play for our clubs.”

Laporta said he had restored a close personal relationship with Atletico de Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin, despite the summer controversy involving Julian Alvarez. The pair embraced when they met, he said, adding that he was “very happy” because Gil Marin was someone he valued greatly.

Real Madrid did not attend the Copenhagen meeting. Laporta used the event to discuss Barcelona’s legal action against Florentino Perez over comments in which he accused the Catalan club of stealing seven La Liga titles. The clubs are due to attend a conciliation hearing in Madrid on 25 November.

“What we cannot accept is the distortion of the truth and attacks on Barcelona every time they speak publicly,” Laporta said.

He claimed Real Madrid had become involved in the Negreira case to prolong it, justify the actions of its television channel and promote a pre-existing narrative. “The relationship between us is non-existent,” he added.

Laporta also said he and Al-Khelaifi believed Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain were currently the two best teams in Europe. Their next match is on 20 October, and he said he looked forward to visiting Paris before the “exceptional” fixture.

On the Ballon d’Or, Laporta said he hoped a Barcelona player would win, particularly Lamine Yamal, who he felt had enjoyed an outstanding season. The result will be announced on the 26th of next month.

Barcelona’s women face Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou next Sunday. Laporta said the team had been rebuilt after several notable departures and that the new players had performed excellently.