This is a very sensitive issue in Madrid. And Enrique Riquelme did not hesitate to insist on it, denouncing Florentino Pérez’s plans on this subject. The Merengue president has indeed wanted, for several years now, to open the club’s capital to foreign investors. Or, in other words, sell shares in the club, which until now belongs entirely to the members.
Obviously, it is a controversial measure, since the socios are very attached to traditions and to this status which is very rare in the world of football. By putting an end, even partially, to this model, Real Madrid would lose its prestige and what makes it unique. The arrival of external capital could also have consequences in terms of decision-making, and there are real fears on this subject in the Spanish capital.
A referendum to come
As indicated MarcaPérez plans to launch this opening of capital and this change of legal status as quickly as possible. It would involve, to begin with at least, a sale of 5% of the club to one or more investors, while the 100,000 members would still have control via a subsidiary company.
He will have to organize a referendum to have this transformation validated by the socios, and he will need to obtain an absolute majority of votes. Which is far from assured, especially when a third of the members voted for Riquelme, largely because of Pérez’s plans regarding the sale of the club. The president of Real Madrid will therefore have to be convincing, with solid arguments, for the members to vote in favor of a decision which will clearly change the history of the club in the Spanish capital…
