Real Madrid considering demerger to attract external investors – here’s what it means | OneFootball

As Real Madrid continue thinking about making the entity more profitable, the club could be gearing up for big changes going forward.

According to The Athletic, the club are intensifying plans for a radical restructuring that would, for the first time, allow external investors to purchase shares in the institution.

Real Madrid have been owned exclusively by its members since its founding in 1902, and any modification to that model would need approval through a formal vote by those members.

Proposed demerger under discussion

One of the key proposals being discussed internally involves splitting Real Madrid into two entities. One entity will be focused on football operations and another dedicated to the club’s business and commercial activities.

Under this potential model, investors could purchase stakes in the commercial side, which includes areas such as sponsorship, events, and stadium revenues.

Meanwhile, the football arm of the club would continue to be legally and democratically controlled by its socios. This would ensure that ownership remains within the membership structure through the club’s charitable foundation.

Florentino Perez wants Real Madrid to attract external investors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Discussions have also touched on adopting a version of the Bundesliga’s 50+1 model, which would ensure members always retain majority control, while investors hold minority stakes.

Advisors from Key Capital Partners and law firm Clifford Chance are said to be helping structure the proposal, which would need to comply with complex tax and legal regulations.

The proposal would effectively allow Real Madrid to raise funds while maintaining member control.

Club president Florentino Perez has previously spoken about the need to “protect Real Madrid’s socio-owned model” while acknowledging the challenges of competing with clubs backed by billionaires and sovereign wealth funds.

Although no final decision has been made, Perez is expected to present further details and next steps at the upcoming general assembly later this year.

If approved, the plan would mark one of the most significant governance shifts in Real Madrid’s 122-year history.