Pérez Announces Referendum to Protect Real Madrid Ownership Amid Record €1.1 Billion Budget

Nov 24, 2024, 11:02 AM

Real Madrid held its Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly of Representative Members on Sunday at Valdebebas, where President Florentino Pérez addressed key issues affecting the club. Pérez presented the club's strong financial results, reporting a net profit of €15.6 million for the 2023-24 season and announcing a record budget of €1.1279 billion for the 2024-25 season. Highlighting a net worth of €574 million, he noted that Real Madrid is approaching the financial stature of major NFL and NBA franchises. Pérez announced plans for a referendum to consider changes to the club's ownership model, aiming to protect the members' control amid external threats. He pledged, "We will do everything necessary to ensure that this club continues to belong to the members as it has for its 122 years of history." Criticizing UEFA and FIFA for congested match calendars, Pérez pointed out that Real Madrid players could play up to 82 games this season and that the club has already suffered 21 injuries among 14 players in just three months. He stated, "Football is seriously hurt. All leagues are suffering." Pérez also expressed dissatisfaction with the Ballon d'Or selection process, questioning the voting criteria after some journalists gave no votes to Vinícius Júnior. He remarked, "If the EURO influenced the Ballon d'Or, then Dani Carvajal should have won it. It's inexplicable." He criticized La Liga and its president Javier Tebas, opposing the league's agreement with CVC and accusing them of attempting to expropriate the club's assets. Tebas responded by accusing Pérez of having a "messianic character" and being disconnected from the reality of the football sector.