News Focus
- Florentino Pérez promises vote on ownership changes if he wins upcoming elections
- Current member-owned model could shift to include five per cent private shareholders
- Shares would remain within families to block foreign control
- Enrique Riquelme stands as the only opponent in the presidential race
- Club has belonged to its members since its foundation in 1902
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has announced plans to call a vote on changing how the club is owned. This will happen if he wins the election next Sunday. The current system sees members control the Spanish giants. However, Pérez wants to turn these members into shareholders.
The proposal includes selling around five per cent of the club’s shares. This move could generate hundreds of millions of euros. Despite this, the seventy-seven-year-old insists members will keep full control. He states the change protects the club from outside buyers.
Speaking to El País, Pérez confirmed he would hold an immediate assembly after victory. His rival, Enrique Riquelme, is the only other candidate. The change requires majority approval from delegates. Real Madrid has been member-owned since it was founded.
Pérez explained that new shareholders cannot sell stakes freely. Instead, they must transfer shares to family members. This rule aims to prevent foreign investors from taking control. The president stated the five per cent stake would be symbolic. Decision-making power would stay with the ninety-five per cent member majority.
The veteran leader criticised his opponent. He claimed Riquelme represents special interests. Pérez promised to safeguard the club’s assets for members. He vowed this would remain his priority throughout his leadership.