I Regret to Tell You... I’m Not Stepping Down: Florentino Pérez Calls Snap Real Madrid Elections | DISCUSS

Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez has stunned the footballing world today, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, by calling for immediate presidential elections while firmly refusing to resign from his post.

Following an emergency meeting of the Board of Directors at Ciudad Real Madrid, the 79-year-old president addressed the media in a high-tension press conference to confront what he described as an "absurd campaign" aimed at destabilizing the club.

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The "Crisis" at the Bernabéu

The snap election call comes after one of the most turbulent fortnights in the club's modern history:

Trophyless Run: Real Madrid has finished a second consecutive season without a major trophy, a rarity that has put immense pressure on the leadership.

Locker Room Chaos: Reports of internal strife peaked last Thursday when Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouaméni were involved in a physical altercation during training that required Valverde to receive hospital treatment for a head wound. Both players were subsequently fined €500,000 each.

Managerial Limbo: Doubts continue to swirl over manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who only took the reigns from Xabi Alonso four months ago but has struggled to unite a fractured squad.

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Pérez Comes Out Swinging

In a defiant speech, Pérez addressed rumors regarding his health and his future at the club:

"I regret to tell those who want me gone that I am not going to resign. I have asked the electoral board to initiate the process to call elections immediately, in which this current board and I are going to run again."

Key Points from the Press Conference:

Fighting the "Shadows": Pérez challenged his critics—specifically mentioning "campaigns operating in the shadows"—to step forward and run against him now that he has moved the election forward by three years.

Health Rumors: He directly addressed "malicious" reports claiming he was terminally ill, stating, "They say I have terminal cancer. I continue presiding over Real Madrid and ACS. I work like an animal."

A Defense of the Crest: He argued that the current attacks are not just against him, but against the "interests of Real Madrid," and that he is running to protect the club's stability during this chaotic transition.

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What Happens Next?

With the election process initiated, the club enters a period of intense political maneuvering.

The Opposition: While no formal challenger has stepped forward yet, names like Rafael Nadal (long rumored as a potential successor) and business mogul Vicente Boluda are being discussed in Spanish media.

The "Mourinho" Rumor: To win over a frustrated fanbase, rumors are circulating that Pérez might attempt to bring back Jose Mourinho to restore discipline to the dressing room ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.