Florentino Pérez Proposes Selling 5% of Real Madrid Shares to Members

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has intensified his media presence ahead of the club's presidential elections scheduled in a week. He revealed one of the most ambitious projects of his current term: altering the club's ownership structure by offering 5% of its shares for sale to members, thereby granting them financial control.

In an extensive interview with El País, Pérez strongly criticized his electoral rival Enrique Riquelme and defended his sports and financial management. He also reiterated his call for strict sanctions against FC Barcelona in the Negreira case.

Explaining the reason behind the early elections, Pérez described it as a strategic move aimed at removing him from office. He stated, "During the past year, I noticed increasingly organized maneuvers between this electoral campaign and some media outlets. A very tense atmosphere was created among the members."

He further linked his competitor to former leaders from Ramón Calderón's era, asserting that "their sole objective is to seize power for their personal benefit."

Proposed Ownership Model Change

The most significant announcement in the interview was Pérez's intention to implement a historic change in Real Madrid's ownership model. He confirmed that if re-elected, he would immediately call a general assembly and referendum to make the members the club's economic owners.

"I will grant economic ownership to 100,000 members. Belonging to Real Madrid will no longer be just an emotional feeling but will also mean lifelong ownership of the club," he explained.

The president highlighted that members currently lack a real financial connection to the club and pledged to complete this reform before leaving office.

To determine the club's economic value, Pérez suggested selling a minority stake. He said, "The valuation is based on someone purchasing a small part, only 5% of the club's shares."

He assured that members would retain full control over the club, adding, "Anyone who buys 5% of Real Madrid will not be responsible for the club but will be associated with a brand like ours."

Financial Strength and Club Revenue

Pérez also boasted about Real Madrid's financial power, stating the club will close the fiscal year with record revenues of €1.25 billion. He maintained the ambition to reach €2 billion in the coming years, affirming, "We remain the club with the highest revenues in the world."

Response to Allegations and Institutional Issues

Addressing Riquelme's accusations that Pérez involved family members in club transactions, the president responded firmly: "I have been here for 26 years; no one can question me. I do not need money, and I have used it for Real Madrid's benefit, just like in my first term when players were not receiving salaries, yet I ensured they got €147 million. Everyone was paid."

Regarding institutional matters, Pérez was particularly resolute on the Negreira case. He considers the payments made by FC Barcelona to the former deputy head of the referees' technical committee as one of the gravest incidents in Spanish sports history.

He stated, "I have never seen anything more serious than this in football history. Systematic corruption."

Moreover, Pérez criticized the actions of Spanish football authorities and warned that he would continue legal procedures to clarify the facts. He affirmed, "I will not stop until the matter is clear."

He added, "In football history, I have not seen a case more serious than the Negreira case. I will not stop until the facts are clarified."