Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has called for reforms in football following the financial hit the sport has taken since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, adding that the pandemic must make for a more lucrative competition.
Perez said that the current playing formats need to change in order for the sport to recover from the financial disruption the pandemic has caused.
The 73-year-old said that the pandemic has reduced Real Madrid’s revenues from 822 million euros to 715 million euros as spectators were kept out of stadiums.
“The reality is that all big football clubs are suffering this significant financial blow and we’re not immune to it either,” Perez said while addressing club members on Sunday in an online meet.
“Nothing will go back to being like before. The pandemic must make us more competitive.”
“We must innovate, discover formulas so that football remains attractive. Real Madrid was there at the beginning of FIFA and the European Cup. Our model now needs a new impulse, and the impact of COVID-19 has shown that.”
AP reported that earlier, elite clubs had pushed for more guaranteed Champions League matches and revenue from the 2024-25 season, but amid stiff opposition from leagues and less wealthy clubs, the talks led by UEFA failed to reach an agreement.
“Everyone is arguing for a remodeling of world football. There is a saturation (of games) and our fans, who are the most important thing we have, suffer,” Perez said.
“Football reform cannot wait. The biggest clubs in Europe have millions of fans spread across the world. We have the responsibility to fight for this change.” It is unclear, what changes Perez would support, AP said.