Real Madrid members have questioned whether the club’s new disciplinary regulations could be used to punish criticism of directors or players, according to El Confidencial.
The new Reglamento de Disciplina Social came into force on 1 August after being approved by the Junta Directiva, chaired by Florentino Perez, on 28 July. Members were informed of the changes on 31 July.
The regulation replaces a 2017 code. Its preamble says the revised rules are intended to bring Real Madrid’s disciplinary framework into line with technological developments and new forms of irregular resale involving tickets and season passes.
However, two sections have attracted particular attention from some socios.
Article 9.7 defines as a very serious offence any failure to show due respect to, or any offence against, club representatives through actions, gestures or words. Article 10.18 refers to verbal or written conduct that could harm the respect, dignity or image of Real Madrid or those who represent the club, or cause serious damage to the organisation.
Some members believe the wording could allow disciplinary action over criticism directed at club officials or footballers. There is also concern that the provisions could be used to protect directors and players from public criticism, especially criticism of Real Madrid’s recently reelected president, Florentino Perez.
Real Madrid says the purpose of the regulation is to modernise its disciplinary system. The club has pointed to evolving technology and the irregular use or resale of season tickets, match tickets and other access credentials as reasons for introducing the updated framework.
Under Article 55 of Real Madrid’s statutes, Jose Luis Sanchez, the club’s Director of the Area Social and widely known as Josele, and Director of Legal Services Javier Lopez Farre have the powers set out in the relevant articles of the regulation.
The Comision de Disciplina Social has exclusive responsibility for opening and investigating disciplinary proceedings involving club members. It can then propose sanctions, but the final decision on whether those sanctions are approved belongs to the Junta Directiva under Articles 55 and 57.
The code applies to members in accordance with Real Madrid’s statutes, the new disciplinary regulation and other rules that may be relevant. Its provisions cover both irregular ticket resale and behaviour considered capable of affecting the club, its representatives or its image.
The rules have also been compared with those of two other major Spanish clubs. Barcelona’s statutes mention freedom of expression alongside the need to respect the honour and dignity of directors and players, but do not list specific offences or sanctions in the same way.
Atletico de Madrid’s regulations for members follow a broadly similar approach. They set out obligations and prohibitions, but in less detail than the provisions now introduced by Real Madrid.
The new code therefore combines updated measures relating to ticketing and access credentials with wider rules governing the conduct of members. It took effect on 1 August, with the debate over how its references to respect, dignity and the club’s image may apply to criticism continuing among some Real Madrid socios.
