This weekend's El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid is set to deliver another chapter in one of football's fiercest rivalries. While all eyes will be on the pitch at Spotify Camp Nou, a significant figure will be notably absent from the stands.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has confirmed he will extend his boycott of away El Clásico matches, marking the latest development in the ongoing tension between the two Spanish giants. The decision stems from the Negreira case, which first emerged in 2023 when Barcelona was accused of making payments to Enriquez Negreira during his tenure as Vice-President of the Technical Committee of Referees.

The scandal, which alleged sporting corruption, has fundamentally altered the relationship between the clubs. Traditional pre-match executive meals have been scrapped, and Pérez has made a point of staying away from matches in Catalonia since the news broke. This weekend's showdown will continue that trend.

According to reports from El Chiringuito, Pérez has decided not to attend Sunday's clash at Spotify Camp Nou. No official meal between club executives will take place either, as the Real Madrid president's absence removes the opportunity for dialogue with Barcelona counterpart Joan Laporta. This will mark the first El Clásico since Laporta's re-election, though the Barcelona offices have grown accustomed to the cold shoulder.

The Negreira case has now been under legal investigation for the past 12-18 months. Barcelona faces accusations of multiple crimes related to their payments to Negreira, though the club maintains its innocence. Real Madrid continues to stand as a vocal opponent in the legal proceedings, as both clubs await a final verdict.

For fans, the off-field drama adds another layer of intensity to what promises to be an already electric encounter on the pitch.