Florentino Pérez Calls Real Madrid Elections, Denies Resignation in Explosive Presser
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez delivered a fiery and unprecedented press conference on May 12, 2026, announcing the call for new presidential elections while flatly rejecting any notion of resignation. In a statement that drew immediate comparisons to the infamous “no voy a dimitir” line from former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales, Pérez opened the session by saying: “Lamento decirles que no voy a dimitir” (I regret to tell you that I will not resign).
The announcement came amid intense scrutiny of Pérez’s leadership, following a season that fell short of expectations and a series of external controversies that he claims are part of a coordinated campaign against the club. “I have asked the electoral board to initiate the process for elections to the board of directors, which this board will stand for,” Pérez stated, according to reports from Marca and 20 Minutos.
A Defiant Tone and Personal Attacks
Throughout the nearly hour-long appearance, Pérez adopted a combative stance, lashing out at journalists, rival clubs, and what he described as a media-driven plot to destabilize Real Madrid. He specifically targeted ABC journalist Rubén Cañizares, engaging in a tense exchange that drew widespread attention on social media. Pérez also announced he was canceling his subscription to the newspaper, accusing it of publishing falsehoods about his health.
Addressing rumors about his well-being, Pérez said: “Some have said I have terminal cancer… My health is perfect. If I had cancer, as has been said, I would have to go to an oncology center. If I went, wouldn’t it have been reported everywhere in the world?” He also denied reports that he had expressed fatigue before a board meeting, claiming he works from early morning until late at night.
The Context: A Club Under Pressure
Pérez’s press conference comes at a turbulent time for Real Madrid. The club, which has long dominated Spanish and European football, failed to secure a major trophy this season, and Pérez acknowledged that “the results have not been the best, but in sport you don’t always win.” However, the president emphasized that the primary reason for calling elections was not sporting failure but what he termed “an absurd situation created by campaigns against the interests of Real Madrid and against me.”
The Negreira Case and Allegations of Robbed Titles
A central theme of Pérez’s remarks was the ongoing “Negreira case,” a refereeing scandal that has rocked Spanish football. Pérez alleged that Real Madrid had been systematically disadvantaged by refereeing decisions, claiming: “I could have won 14 leagues, but they have stolen them from me.” He announced that the club is preparing a comprehensive dossier to be sent to UEFA, expressing confidence that the European governing body would take action.
These allegations, while denied by Barcelona and other clubs involved in the case, have become a rallying cry for Pérez, who accuses rivals and the media of using the scandal to undermine Real Madrid. His comments drew a sharp response from atlético Madrid supporters and officials, as Pérez also took aim at the rojiblancos, accusing them of selling the club to an investment fund.
Atlético de Madrid and the Apollo Fund
In a particularly pointed passage, Pérez referenced the recent acquisition of a 57% stake in Atlético Madrid by the American investment fund Apollo, which valued the club at around €2.5 billion. “They kept the club and now they have sold it and enriched themselves,” Pérez said, contrasting his own model of fan ownership. “I am not from another club that kept the club and now has sold it and enriched themselves. I am voted by the members, not by ultras.”
This rhetoric highlights a growing divide in Spanish football between clubs owned by their members (socios) and those controlled by external investors. Real Madrid remains one of the few major European clubs still owned by its fans, a model Pérez has frequently defended as a cornerstone of the club’s identity.
Perspective: What This Means for Real Madrid
The decision to call elections is a high-stakes gamble for Pérez, who has been in charge for most of the past two decades. While he has overseen an era of unprecedented success—including multiple Champions League titles and the construction of a new stadium—his leadership has also faced criticism over financial transparency, the management of the club’s youth academy, and now, the handling of the Negreira affair.
A Campaign Against the Press and the Establishment
Pérez’s press conference was notable for its personal tone and the sheer number of grievances aired. He accused journalists by name of spreading misinformation, mocked the physical appearance of reporters, and used what many considered inappropriate language, telling one female reporter: “Let that girl speak, damn it, she has the right to speak, and you are all very ugly.” The remark was widely condemned as sexist and overshadowed the substantive content of his announcements.
Broader Implications for Spanish Football
The timing of Pérez’s outburst is significant, as Spanish football is grappling with multiple crises: the Negreira case, financial instability at several clubs, and declining competitiveness in European competitions. Pérez’s claims of “robbed titles” add fuel to an already polarized atmosphere, where accusations of corruption and bias have become commonplace.
Whether Pérez will face a serious challenger in the upcoming elections remains unclear. No major opposition figure has yet emerged, and under Real Madrid’s electoral rules, candidates must secure the backing of a significant number of club members. Given Pérez’s deep roots in the club’s infrastructure and his success in securing lucrative commercial deals, he remains the favorite to retain power. However, the current turbulence suggests that his next term, if he wins, will be anything but smooth.
As the story develops, the sports world will be watching closely. For now, one thing is certain: Florentino Pérez is not going down without a fight. “If I had cancer, as has been said, I would have to go to an oncology center,” he repeated, daring his critics to prove otherwise.
While this drama unfolds, the world of technology and entertainment sees its own controversies. The recent Nintendo Switch 2 Price Hike Fails to Soothe Investors as Share Price Drops 8% shows how even established brands face market skepticism, while in the skies, a Southwest Flight Windshield Cracks at 37,000 Feet, Diverts to Tulsa highlights the unpredictability of modern travel. But in Madrid, all eyes remain on the Bernabéu and the man who vows to stay at its helm.
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