Florentino Pérez delivered a powerful address during Real Madrid‘s Annual General Meeting, passionately addressing the pressing issues plaguing Spanish football. The president, marking 25 years at the helm of the club, did not hold back in his critique of various aspects of the sport, including refereeing standards, LaLiga governance, UEFA’s practices, and the overall trajectory of football in Spain. His speech highlighted significant concerns ranging from the ongoing Negreira scandal to the ambitious redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Pérez’s remarks on refereeing were particularly striking. He labeled the current state of officiating in Spain as “unacceptable” and pointed out that not a single one of the 35 Spanish referees was selected by FIFA for international duty. He drew attention to Barcelona‘s controversial financial dealings with former referee association vice president José María Negreira, who allegedly received over €8 million over 17 years. “It’s not normal that Barcelona has paid this amount,” he stated, emphasizing the coinciding period with Barcelona’s peak performance. He backed his claims with stark statistics: Real Madrid had a net balance of two red cards while Barcelona faced 61 in 2021 alone. “During Negreira’s era, Barcelona received 49 red cards while we only had one,” he added, underscoring his belief that these discrepancies are indicative of systemic bias.
Governance and LaLiga: A Call for Accountability
Pérez extended his critique to LaLiga and its president Javier Tebas, particularly targeting the controversial proposal for a match in Miami. He mocked the idea, asserting that even Barcelona’s own captain found it absurd. “This is not like the NFL; their games are legally sanctioned,” he remarked. The financial disparities between LaLiga and other leagues were also highlighted, with Pérez noting that LaLiga charges six times more than its Premier League counterpart. He condemned LaLiga’s handling of player protests earlier this season as “shameful censorship,” revealing that Tebas had offered him a position within the Federation—a proposal he swiftly declined.
Challenges from UEFA and Future Prospects
The president reaffirmed Real Madrid’s commitment to pursuing its interests in light of UEFA’s growing disconnect from fan engagement. He stated firmly that clubs should have the freedom to organize their own tournaments without fear of sanctions. “No one can sanction us,” he declared, criticizing UEFA for prioritizing financial gains over fan accessibility as ticket prices continue to soar.
Pérez took a moment to celebrate Real Madrid’s achievements on the pitch despite facing significant challenges last season due to injuries. He praised coach Carlo Ancelotti as “the most decorated coach in our history” and paid tribute to key players like Luka Modrić and Raúl, recognizing their contributions to the club’s legacy. Notably, he highlighted that eight players on this season’s squad are products of Real Madrid’s youth academy—a testament to the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent.
The Bernabéu Renovation: A Vision for the Future
The ambitious renovation project of Santiago Bernabéu was another focal point of Pérez’s address. He proudly noted that the €1.347 billion upgrade is set to make it “the best stadium in the world.” Detailing financing arrangements—including a €575 million loan from 2019—he emphasized the project’s profitability with annual earnings projected at €150 million against €60 million in payments.
As Pérez concluded his address, he shifted focus towards governance reforms aimed at safeguarding member ownership within Real Madrid. He expressed concern over political amendments threatening club revenues and proposed key reforms that would solidify member control over club assets. “We must shield our club from external attacks,” he stated firmly.
In closing, Pérez reiterated his commitment to maintaining Real Madrid as a member-owned club while dismissing rumors about his resignation or transferring control to a foundation as “absurd.” His defiant message resonated strongly: “After 25 years, if I commit to something, I deliver on it.”
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