Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid, recently took a significant step in addressing the club’s structural and financial sustainability. During the club’s annual assembly, he proposed a “corporate reorganization” to the membership, signaling a response to current challenges that threaten the club’s autonomy and financial health. This proposal arises from ongoing disputes within LaLiga and broader concerns surrounding the financial market in football.
Real Madrid, alongside Barcelona, Athletic Club, and Osasuna, is one of the few clubs in Spain still governed by a member-owned structure. This model allows members to vote on significant changes and ensures that the club remains financially accountable to its supporters rather than to external investors. However, this traditional governance model is increasingly being scrutinized. Pérez is advocating for changes that he believes will secure the financial independence and integrity of the club.
Under the Spanish law established in 1990, many clubs were required to become public limited companies, a framework that Pérez argues undermines their long-term financial stability. He stresses the importance of a structure that will protect members’ rights and ensure that Real Madrid’s revenues remain within its own control, rather than being redistributed to other clubs under various agreements negotiated by LaLiga.
During his address, Pérez expressed dissatisfaction with LaLiga’s recent CVC investment deal, which provided €2 billion to several clubs in exchange for future broadcast income. He argues that the arrangement compromises the financial positioning of traditional clubs that resist becoming publicly traded entities. Pérez’s stance highlights a significant divide within Spanish football regarding revenue distribution, and he firmly believes that such agreements jeopardize the club’s operations and its ability to compete on the highest levels.
“We’re working on defending ourselves against attacks on our financial wealth,” Pérez stated, outlining the urgency with which he views the need for change. The forthcoming corporate reorganization proposal aims not just to protect the club’s financial integrity but to reaffirm the central role of members in determining the future direction of Real Madrid.
Pérez’s speech went beyond financial mechanisms, delving into broader issues affecting football. His continued criticism of UEFA and its Champions League format reflects a deep-seated concern about the direction of football as a whole. His comparison of football today to Blockbuster, the video rental chain that failed to adapt to the digital age, underscores the need for radical change. He advocates for embracing new technologies, proposing a shift in how football organizations operate to align with modern entertainment industries.
“It’s time to act,” he declared passionately, imploring stakeholders across football to recognize the critical juncture at which they stand. In his view, the sport must innovate to enhance its appeal and financial viability, resisting complacency.
Further displaying his commitment to Real Madrid’s interests, Pérez criticized the decision to overlook Vinícius Júnior for the Ballon d’Or in 2024. He lamented that such decisions by journalists exclude talented players from recognition, provoking a heated debate about the criteria used for such prestigious awards. His commentary raises broader questions about bias in award selections and the importance of impartiality in recognizing talent.
By advocating for a reassessment of the award’s governance, Pérez seeks to redefine power dynamics in football recognition, further illustrating his role as a defender of club merits in a landscape often skewed against traditional values.
Florentino Pérez’s proposals reflect a proactive approach to ensure that Real Madrid navigates the turbulent waters of modern football successfully. As he prepares to present the reorganization proposal at future assemblies, the club stands at a crossroads where tradition intersects with innovation. Whether these measures will reinforce Real Madrid’s status as a powerhouse in football remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly signal a readiness to confront current challenges head-on, reflecting a commitment to the principles of member ownership and financial independence. The future of Real Madrid may heavily depend on the outcomes of these initiatives, marking a new chapter in the club’s storied history.