Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez announced early board elections on Wednesday after alleging he is the target of an organized campaign to remove him [1].
The move comes as the club faces significant internal and external pressure following a period of sporting decline. By calling for an immediate vote, Pérez is attempting to solidify his mandate and neutralize opposition before his term naturally expires.
During a press conference in Madrid on May 13, 2026, Pérez said he is the victim of an organized campaign to unseat him [1]. He attributed the pressure to a combination of media narratives and covert influence, stating, "There are bad journalists and hidden actors trying to bring me down" [3].
The president's defiance follows a difficult period for the team. Real Madrid has endured a second consecutive season without a major trophy [1]. This lack of silverware has fueled calls for leadership changes within the club's structure.
Despite the criticism, Pérez ruled out stepping down from his position. He said that the current administration will not resign and will instead face the membership in a vote [2].
"We will not resign; we will call early elections and I will run again," Pérez said [2].
The announcement marks a rare aggressive pivot toward early elections in the club's history. Pérez has long maintained a tight grip on the club's governance, but the current climate suggests a growing rift between the presidency and certain influential stakeholders [3].
By framing the opposition as an "organized campaign," Pérez is positioning the upcoming election not just as a referendum on the team's performance, but as a battle for the club's institutional integrity [1].
“"I am the victim of an organised campaign to unseat me."”
The decision to hold early elections is a high-risk strategic gamble. By forcing a vote now, Pérez is attempting to preempt a coordinated coup and use the electoral process to validate his leadership. However, the lack of major trophies over the last two seasons creates a vulnerability that opponents may leverage to convince the club's members that a change in leadership is necessary for sporting success.
