Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez delivered a fiery and combative press conference that has sent shockwaves through Spanish football, firmly rejecting calls for his resignation while announcing early elections for the club’s presidency.
Speaking with visible defiance, Pérez declared that he would not step down from his role, instead opting to bring forward elections by three years in a move he framed as a direct response to mounting criticism. He challenged his detractors to face him at the ballot box, insisting he remains fully committed to leading the club.
The veteran football executive also dismissed swirling health rumors, describing them as part of a coordinated smear campaign aimed at discrediting him. He specifically called out reports suggesting he is battling cancer, branding them as “completely false and malicious.”
In one of the most dramatic moments of the conference, Pérez openly mocked Spanish newspaper ABC by reading excerpts from its articles aloud and laughing at their claims, including suggestions that he had confided in close associates about being “tired.” He later announced he would cancel his subscription to the outlet, intensifying his ongoing feud with sections of the media.
Defending his leadership record, Pérez highlighted Real Madrid’s remarkable success under his tenure, noting that the club has secured 76 trophies. He rejected claims that the club is in decline, instead pointing to record-breaking revenues and what he described as the most valuable squad in world football.
Addressing financial concerns, he denied reports that the renovation of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium had exceeded budget, insisting the project remains under control and is a cornerstone of the club’s future growth.
On wider football matters, Pérez did not hold back. He labeled the ongoing Negreira Case as “the worst scandal in football history,” revealing plans to submit a dossier to UEFA demanding the removal of referees linked to the period in question.
He also reignited tensions with La Liga, describing the domestic league as an “enemy” of Real Madrid, while claiming victory in the legal battle surrounding the controversial European Super League project. Pérez argued that the initiative was designed to make football more accessible globally, particularly for young fans in Africa.
Internally, Pérez downplayed reports of a recent altercation between two Real Madrid players, suggesting such incidents are not uncommon in elite dressing rooms and should not be overblown.
However, the press conference was not without controversy. Pérez faced backlash after making disparaging remarks about a female journalist’s understanding of football and jokingly referring to other reporters as “ugly,” comments that are likely to spark further criticism.
He also made bold claims regarding officiating, alleging that poor refereeing decisions have cost him seven league titles over the years and 18 points in the current season alone.
In a dramatic closing statement, Pérez underlined his determination to remain at the helm of the club, declaring: “I seek neither fame nor power… but they will have to shoot me to get me out of the club.”
The announcement of early elections now sets the stage for a potentially historic battle for control of Real Madrid, as Pérez prepares to defend both his presidency and his legacy in the face of growing scrutiny.
