Spanish giants Real Madrid have officially welcomed FIFA’s decision to reject a proposal to sell part of the commercial rights to its major international tournaments, describing the move as a significant victory for football and its global fanbase.
Club Praises FIFA’s Decision
In an official statement, Real Madrid said the decision represents positive news for the future development of football and, above all, for the millions of supporters who follow the sport around the world.
The club also expressed its appreciation to UEFA, the continental football confederations, and all organizations that opposed the proposal, stating that their united stance and sense of responsibility played a crucial role in protecting the game at a decisive moment.
“Football Belongs to the People”
Real Madrid stressed that the FIFA World Cup and other international competitions belong to the people, the fans, and the football community as a whole.
The club argued that these tournaments should not be treated merely as financial assets designed to generate profits for a limited group of investors, emphasizing that football’s global heritage must remain protected.
Protecting Clubs and National Teams
The Spanish club also noted that rejecting the proposal helps safeguard the interests of clubs that develop and nurture players who ultimately represent their national teams in international competitions.
Real Madrid criticized any attempt to monetize the future commercial revenues of football competitions without assuming the financial risks and responsibilities associated with organizing them, describing such an approach as unacceptable.
Consistent Position on Investment Deals
The club highlighted that its position has remained consistent over the years, recalling its opposition to La Liga’s agreement to allocate a portion of the league’s broadcasting revenues to a private investment fund for a period of 50 years.
According to Real Madrid, committing clubs’ future revenues for such an extended period sets a dangerous precedent that should not be repeated, either in Spain or in international football.
Commitment to Football’s Long-Term Interests
The statement concluded by reaffirming Real Madrid’s commitment to protecting the long-term interests of football, insisting that the sport’s major competitions should serve clubs, players, and supporters rather than becoming vehicles for short-term financial gains.
