Yuste, however, chose a calm and measured approach, keeping his response short and focused on the team's immediate priorities. When asked about Real Madrid's situation, he made it clear that Barcelona had already expressed their position. He stressed the importance of unity in Spanish football rather than reopening old debates. "We have already given our version. Nothing more to say. Let's focus on tomorrow's game."
Joan Laporta has resigned as Barcelona president ahead of re-standing for the role when club members go to the polls on March 15. Club regulations stipulate that the incumbent president must stand down ahead of elections, with a management commission overseeing the day-to-day running of the club in the meantime. That commission will be managed by Rafa Yuste, who has been one of Laporta's vice presidents since his election in 2021.
"It's not normal that Barcelona paid the vice president of the referees' association more than 8 million euros for at least 17 years," Perez said. "Whatever the reason. The vice-president of the referees' committee, who held important positions. A period that, coincidentally, coincides with Barcelona's best results in our country."