Real Madrid president Florentino Perez will not attend Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou, according to Mundo Deportivo, with the decision also ruling out the traditional pre-match lunch between the clubs’ directors.
His absence comes amid strained institutional relations between the Spanish giants, ensuring there will be no meeting with Barcelona president Joan Laporta before kick-off.
The fixture is already attracting attention for Jose Mourinho’s return to Barcelona, but the lack of a presidential reunion adds more controversy to a rivalry that has increasingly extended beyond the pitch.
Florentino Perez absence means no directors’ lunch
Perez will not travel to Barcelona for the latest meeting between the clubs, continuing a pattern of absences from Camp Nou in recent seasons.
According to the report, the usual gathering between the two boards will not take place either, removing a long-standing part of the pre-match protocol surrounding El Clasico.
Florentino Perez will not attend this season’s El Clasico at Camp Nou. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The relationship between Barcelona and Real Madrid has deteriorated since Real Madrid began pursuing the Negreira case publicly.
The dispute has contributed to a breakdown in institutional relations, making the absence of both Perez and the traditional directors’ luncheon more than a routine scheduling detail.
Real Madrid will still have a presence in the VIP area, although the representation is expected to be more limited than in previous editions.
At last season’s corresponding Clasico at Camp Nou, Pirri, Real Madrid’s honorary president, was the only representative from the Madrid club in the VIP box. This time, a Real Madrid vice-president is expected to attend.
Tyler, the Creator among expected El Clasico guests
Barcelona no longer have any relationship with Real Madrid. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)
Attention will also extend beyond the club executives, with the list of VIPs and dignitaries still awaiting final confirmation.
Tyler, The Creator is expected to be among those attending. The artist’s logo, alongside his GOLF brand, will feature on the front of Barcelona’s shirt for the occasion.
His anticipated presence offers a different kind of spotlight for the fixture, which combines sporting rivalry, commercial visibility and institutional tension.
Yet the most consequential absence may be Perez’s.