Florentino Pérez calls new election, rejects resignation talk and accuses media of campaign | OneFootball

Florentino Pérez has dismissed talk of resigning as Real Madrid president, instead setting in motion a new election after a combative media appearance.

According to L'Équipe, Pérez opened by shutting down rumours he would quit and said he would call a meeting within a fortnight. He plans to trigger a vote, though in practice he would need to resign first to test his support and possibly seek re-election.

He said he will stand because some groups have tried to take control and portray the club as chaotic, and he urged any challengers to come forward and explain how they will fund their campaigns.

The 79-year-old, who led the club from 2000 to 2006 and again since 2009, rejected rumours about his health. He denied claims of serious illness and said he feels fine.

Pérez repeatedly criticised journalists, singling out an ABC writer over coverage of a supposed crisis and saying he had cancelled his subscription. He argued some outlets exist only to target Real Madrid and its president, insisted journalists do not influence decisions and maintained the club is not in crisis.

He declined to discuss sporting matters, including the futures of coach Alvaro Arbeloa or the players, but did address the clash between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde. He called such disputes unpleasant but not unusual during his 26 years around the club, and said it was worse that the episode was made public.

Source: L'Équipe