Madrid president Perez takes aim at UEFA, FIFA, and Ballon d’Or in scathing criticism

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez used the club's annual general meeting on Sunday to launch a broadside against UEFA, FIFA, and the Ballon d'Or selection process.

Perez, 77, has long been at odds with football's governing bodies, particularly after the controversial Super League project spearheaded by Madrid and Barcelona in 2021.

At the meeting, Perez criticised UEFA's newly expanded Champions League format, which adds more group-stage matches and an additional knockout round for some clubs.

"The new Champions League format is unfair. Nobody understands it," said Perez. "With more games, the value of each one has dropped by almost 30 percent. This competition will only generate interest at the end, not at the start."

He argued that the increased number of fixtures undermines the quality of the competition, further fuelling his long-standing support for the Super League.

Super League revival hopes

Despite setbacks in the Super League's implementation, Perez expressed renewed optimism. Last year, the European Court of Justice deemed it unlawful for UEFA and FIFA to ban clubs from joining such ventures, a ruling Perez described as groundbreaking.

"The ruling is historic and will be studied in universities. It ended UEFA's monopoly," he said. "We never claimed it would be easy. It has been a titanic effort, withstanding pressure and threats."

Perez continues to insist that the Super League is essential to saving football, which he believes is "gravely injured" and in its most "delicate situation" ever.

Concerns over player workload

The Real Madrid chief also highlighted the physical toll of an increasingly congested football calendar, particularly criticising UEFA and FIFA for organising additional matches.

"This season we could end up playing 82 matches. UEFA and FIFA have increased the number of games by 63 percent, from 22 to 36," Perez noted. "There have already been nine cruciate ligament injuries in La Liga this season, the same as in the entirety of last season. Specialists are pointing to fatigue as the cause."

He also raised concerns about the timing of matches, arguing that late kick-offs hinder players' recovery and rest periods. Madrid have been hit hard by injuries, with key players like Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao sidelined for extended periods.

Criticism of the Ballon d'Or

Perez did not spare the Ballon d'Or organisers from his critique, taking issue with Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez being awarded the accolade over Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.

"Rodri is an exceptional player who absolutely deserves a Ballon d'Or — but not this year," Perez remarked. "This year, they rewarded him for last season's performances. He should have won it last year when he secured the treble with Manchester City."

Perez's remarks encapsulate his broader frustration with what he perceives as mismanagement in football at all levels, as Real Madrid and its president remain at the forefront of challenges to the sport's traditional governing structures.