Mourinho takes dig at Barcelona with ‘congratulations’ to Italy

José Mourinho made a pointed remark about Barcelona in an interview with an Italian TV channel ahead of his upcoming match against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. He said, "Congratulations, because it’s the only country where Calciopoli was truly Calciopoli." Mourinho will be in Italy for the first time since his departure from Roma in January 2024.

The discussion during the interview was not solely about the match. Mourinho acknowledged the controversy surrounding Barcelona in a statement that included the phrase "Congratulations to Italy." He elaborated on why he made this comment, attributing it to the "only country where Calciopoli was truly Calciopoli." The so-called "Negreira case" in Spain, wherein Barcelona allegedly paid millions to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, former president of the Spanish football referee committee, between 2001 and 2018, is what Mourinho referred to.

Barcelona has denied any wrongdoing, and UEFA has received numerous documents from Real Madrid concerning the ongoing investigation. Mourinho concluded the statement, suggesting that if nothing happens concerning the case, it could be the biggest referee corruption scandal in world football.