Real Madrid Will Overhaul Ownership Structures To Protect Assets

JAKARTA - Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said he would propose a reorganization of the club's corporates. Members are asked to vote on whether a change in ownership structure is needed to protect financial assets or not.

Madrid is one of four Spanish clubs - with Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and Osasuna - which members still have. They are not required to become a limited public company under 1990 laws.

In a 90-minute speech at the club's annual meeting, Perez claimed that the dispute with La Liga over the CVC investment deal--that saw other clubs receive a total of 2 billion euros in exchange for future broadcast revenue--and the league's collective way of negotiating TV broadcast rights means that a new structure is needed to ensure the independence of the club.

"We are trying to defend ourselves from attacks on our financial wealth. Our club must have a structure that protects us as an institution."

"We will do everything necessary so that this club belongs to its members so that no one can take our financial assets."

"I can confirm that we will submit a corporate reorganization proposal to a assembly, which guarantees the members are the real owners of our club."

"They want to take our income to give it to La Liga," said Perez as reported by ESPN.

Perez did not provide details on what to do in the reorganization.

"I will continue to inform you, we will hold a panel to explain clearly."

"You will understand it perfectly. I will give everything so that Madrid's income remains Madrid's, Barcelona's income remains Barcelona's, and Athletic Bilbao's revenue remains Athletic."

"Our club must have a structure to protect us," he said again.

Sementara itu, Perez juga mengkritik keputusan untuk tidak memberikan Vin Badancius Junior Ballon d'Or 2024.

This reaffirmed his opposition to the UEFA and its support for the Super League and dismissed concerns over the loss of revenue due to the concert postponed at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Rodri (Hernandez) is a great player, he is from Madrid, and we love him. He deserves the Ballon d'Or."

"However, this is not the one (2024). He deserved it the previous year. This year, the Ballon d'Or should have been awarded to Real Madrid players, Vinicius, or our captain Dani Carvajal, or even Jude Bellingham."

"Some (votings) don't even include Vinicius in the top 10. Can anyone understand why journalists don't think Vinicius is one of the best in the world?"

"No one knows who (the journalists) are. The Ballon d'Or should be held independently and in the hands of recognized people," said Perez.

In recent years, Perez has used his speech at the assembly to repeatedly express his opposition to the UEFA and the new Champions League format.

He emphasized the need for radical changes in European football.

"We don't want to be recorded in history like Blockbuster. We want to embrace new technology."

"There is a real opportunity for a change of direction, to restore the greatness of football. This system doesn't work. This moment is critical. It's time to act," said Perez, referring to the once dominant video rental network and comparing it with Netflix.

Perez said the club's decision in September 2024 to postpone all planned concerts at the Santiago Bernabeu following complaints from neighbors about the level of noise that is a minor problem with its financial impact.

"The holding of concerts is not very profitable for the club. We only rent out stadiums. The revenue is around 1 percent of our annual budget."

"However, we understand that this activity is important. This means that all Madrid residents benefit (from the newly rebuilt stadium). We comply with the local government's decision," said Perez.