Florentino Pérez: No resignation will occur. Real expects new elections to take place.
Quickly! Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid, firmly rejected any speculation about his resignation. In a statement, he said, “I have no intention of resigning. Instead, I will initiate new elections to determine the next leadership of the club.” The Madrid-based official reacted to the increasing pressure from Spanish media and some fans, who were discussing the possibility of a change in leadership at Santiago Bernabeu. According to Spanish sports associations’ regulations, the current head of the club can initiate an emergency vote to confirm his position. Pérez, who has been managing the club since 2009, has indicated that he does not intend to step down without a fight, and is willing to bring the matter before a court of justice. Experts in La Liga have already predicted serious consequences: the outcome of the elections will have a direct impact on the summer transfer window, negotiations regarding contract extensions for stars, and the long-term strategy of the club’s Super League project. The official date for the vote and the list of candidates will be announced after the legal audit is completed.