News Focus
- Florentino Perez announces early presidential elections following a trophyless campaign
- Real Madrid chief makes derogatory remarks toward female journalists during Tuesday briefing
- Spanish giants confirm back-to-back seasons without silverware after El Clasico defeat
- 78-year-old refuses to step down despite mounting pressure from supporters
- Club avoids questions regarding Jose Mourinho’s potential return to the dugout
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has triggered widespread condemnation after making offensive comments about women during a tense media briefing on Tuesday evening. The 78-year-old called the emergency press conference just 48 hours after watching his side suffer defeat against Barcelona in El Clasico. This result guarantees Los Blancos will finish the campaign without lifting any major silverware for the second consecutive year.
During his lengthy address, Perez shocked reporters by targeting specific female journalists. When criticising Spanish newspaper ABC, he singled out writer Maria Jose Fuentealamo. He questioned whether she possessed sufficient understanding of the sport purely because of her gender. “You attack Real Madrid daily,” he stated. “Look at your articles from today. One author is a woman, and I doubt she knows anything about football.”
The controversy deepened when Perez turned his attention to Fox Sports correspondent Lola Hernandez. While choosing which questions to field, he addressed her using the Spanish word for “girl” before insulting the physical appearance of the media present. “I could remain here all afternoon. I am enjoying myself,” he remarked. “That girl should speak. All of you look very ugly.”
Perez used the platform to announce snap presidential elections, scheduled to take place within approximately a fortnight. This move comes three years ahead of schedule, despite the fact that supporters re-elected him without opposition just twelve months ago. He remained defiant regarding his position, insisting he would not resign voluntarily.
The veteran administrator devoted much of his speech to attacking what he described as negative media campaigns against the club. He accused various outlets of attempting to remove him from his post. However, he declined to discuss sporting matters or address speculation linking former manager Jose Mourinho with a return to the Bernabeu.
Spanish media outlets have heavily criticised Perez for failing to accept responsibility for the team’s poor performance. The press conference was expected to address the club’s future direction following their trophyless season. Instead, it focused on the president’s personal grievances and controversial remarks.