Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, has defended his leadership and confirmed he will stand for re-election after a trophyless season.
Perez stated this at a press conference in which he addressed journalists, saying that he will remain in charge and alleged an “organised campaign” against him.
He, therefore, urged his critics not to “move in the shadows” but to contest the election directly.
The remarks came after Barcelona defeated Real Madrid in the Clasico at Camp Nou on Sunday to secure back-to-back La Liga titles with three matches remaining.
“I’m here to say I’m not going anywhere and I’m here to stand for election,” the 79-year-old told the gathered press.
“If someone does want to stand for election, this is your opportunity. But don’t move in the shadows with publications, news outlets.
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“And I’m not in bed, unwell. I have to come out and sit here because as Real Madrid president, I can’t allow journalists to do what they do.”
Perez has been in office since June 2009, after an earlier spell between 2000 and 2006. In recent months, there have been suggestions in parts of the Spanish press that he is no longer fully fit to continue in the role.
He rejected that narrative during the briefing and challenged those behind it to identify themselves.
“I work hard. I’m up early, and I’m the last to go to bed. I understand there’s frustration out there.
“But if people have forgotten, we have won 37 titles since I’ve been in charge. I would like to know the people who are saying these things. On this board of directors, I want whoever is leaking this to come out.”
Perez also criticised La Liga, describing the organisation in strong terms during his remarks.
“And of course, the enemy, La Liga,” he added. “We have to battle against La Liga. Corruption in the game, systematic.”
Despite the criticism, he expressed confidence in his position ahead of the election.
“I lead the biggest club in the world, and you wouldn’t imagine the praise I get. But 100,000 members are behind me and are very happy.”
If re-elected, Perez is expected to oversee the appointment of a new head coach, with Jose Mourinho widely linked with a return to the club.
He declined to comment on the managerial situation when asked by reporters.
Madrid have already sacked Xabi Alonso earlier in the season after appointing him, while his successor, Alvaro Arbeloa, is also not expected to remain in the role.
The club will end the campaign without a major trophy for the second consecutive year, with only the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Trophy won in 2024–25.
Their Champions League run ended at the quarter-final stage against Bayern Munich, while domestic form has been affected by internal issues and fan unrest around Kylian Mbappe.
