SUMMARY
- Fabrizio Romano is one of the most reputed journalists within the soccer community
- Barcelona has been under the microscope for the Negreira case.
Fabrizio Romano is one of the most reputed journalists within the soccer community. The Italian journalist has been one of the most reliable news sources regarding transfers and inner movements within European soccer. His reputation has been crystal clear throughout his journey. However, recently, there has been a question mark around his name, and one particular European club, FC Barcelona.
Barcelona has been under the microscope for the Negreira case. The internal affairs of the club are under the microscope during the leadership of former President, Josep Bartomeu. Amidst this investigation, Real Madrid fans have accused Romano of tweeting in favor of FC Barcelona.
The argument from the fans is Romano has been tweeting in favor of the Spanish club, whether it can be transfer news to pointing the spotlight on controversial decisions in a match. All these are aimed to distract from the main news and continuous revelation from the Negreira case.
Former President Josep Bartomeu paid for social media accounts for his agenda
These allegations stem from a major controversy that surrounded FC Barcelona back in 2020. It was revealed at the time that former President, Josep Bartomeu, hired a social media firm for smear campaigns against his political rivals and key players of the squad who have been unhappy with his leadership.
Exposing Fabrizio Romano’s obvious association and bias towards FC Barcelona (A THREAD 🧵🪡) pic.twitter.com/nEcmJGSd1i
— Not Python (@notpythonn) January 27, 2024
The club admitted having hired I3Ventures for social media but they denied that this firm was used for smear campaigns for Bartomeu. The controversy hit the overall image of the club and since then various rival fans have accused big-time journalists and news outlets of favoring FC Barcelona via paid campaigns.
Fabrizio Romano’s comment on the accusations
This isn’t the first time Fabrizio Romano has been accused of biases. Back in 2023, Romano was accused that he was on the payroll of current FC Barcelona president, Joan Laporta. The Italian journalist took the allegation hard and quickly responded to clear any doubts.
amigo, ten mucho cuidado antes de publicar que estoy a sueldo de alguien… y respeta antes de inventar mentiras.
Cada vez que habla Laporta, Florentino, o quien sea, publico todas las palabras de tema mercado, contratos.
No se nada de fiscalia, yo solo trabajo en el mercado.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 7, 2023
He argued that he posted word of Laporta, Florentino, or whoever speaks. He added that he published all the words in contracts and transfer movements. Furthermore, he distanced himself from protection and emphasized that he has stayed away from prosecutions.
At any point in time, no proof has been revealed against Romano that can prove that he has been on anyone’s payroll. Being the biggest soccer journalist in the world, he is often accused of siding with big-name players like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. However, no allegations have been backed by any solid proof that can lead to some actions against him.