Real Madrid’s New Disciplinary Code Faces Backlash from Club Members
Real Madrid’s recently implemented Reglamento de Disciplina Social, which took effect on August 1, has sparked criticism among some members who interpret certain clauses as allowing potential sanctions for comments directed towards directors or players, according to El Confidencial.
What the new rules say
The regulation, approved by the Junta Directiva led by Florentino Pérez on July 28, replaced a previous code established in 2017. Members received notification of the new rules on July 31, just before they came into effect. As stated in its preamble, the updated code aims to reflect changes in technology and new issues related to the resale of tickets and season passes.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez during a club press conference.
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Particularly noteworthy are two articles. Article 9.7 describes as a very serious infraction the failure to show appropriate respect to, or offending, club representatives through actions or comments. Article 10.18 similarly addresses verbal or written acts that could harm the respect, dignity, or image of the club or its representatives, or inflict significant damage on Real Madrid.
As per Article 55 of the club’s statutes, the Director of the Área Social, José Luis Sánchez (known as Josele), and the Director of Legal Services, Javier López Farré, hold the authority defined in the relevant articles. The Comisión de Disciplina Social is exclusively responsible for initiating and investigating disciplinary cases involving club members and recommending sanctions, while final approval rests with the Junta Directiva under Articles 55 and 57.
How Madrid compares with Barcelona and Atlético
The report from El Confidencial indicates that Barcelona’s statutes emphasize freedom of expression in conjunction with respect for the honor and dignity of directors and players, yet do not specify particular infractions or penalties. Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid’s member regulations tend to follow a less detailed approach than the rules established by Real Madrid regarding obligations and prohibitions.
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Some socios perceive the newly worded regulations as an attempt to shield directors and players from criticism, especially towards the recently reelected president of the club. In contrast, Real Madrid asserts that the regulation is intended to modernize its disciplinary framework to address technological advancements and misuse of season tickets, match tickets, and other credentials for entry.
Real Madrid supporters celebrate with team scarves at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Disciplinary process
The new regulation assigns the investigation of disciplinary matters to the Comisión de Disciplina Social, while the Junta Directiva retains the responsibility for sanction approval. This framework applies to members under the club’s statutes, the new regulation, and other relevant rules.
What happens next
The code has been in effect since August 1 and addresses issues related to irregular ticket resale and behavior that may affect the club, its representatives, or its reputation.
Real Madrid’s new Reglamento de Disciplina Social, in force since August 1, has drawn criticism from some club members over clauses that they interpret as allowing sanctions for comments about directors or players, according to El Confidencial.
What the new rules say
The Junta Directiva presided over by Florentino Pérez approved the regulation on July 28, with members notified on July 31 before it took effect. It replaces a 2017 code and, according to its preamble, updates the club’s rules to reflect technological change and new forms of irregular ticket and season-pass resale.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez during a club press conference.
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Two articles have generated the most attention. Article 9.7 classifies failing to show due respect to, or offending, club representatives through actions, gestures or words as a very serious infraction. Article 10.18 also covers verbal or written acts capable of damaging the respect, dignity or image of the club or those who represent it, or causing serious harm to Real Madrid.
Under Article 55 of the club’s statutes, Director of the Área Social José Luis Sánchez, known as Josele, and Director of Legal Services Javier López Farré hold the powers specified in the relevant articles. The Comisión de Disciplina Social has exclusive authority to open and investigate disciplinary cases involving members and to propose sanctions. Final approval of proposed sanctions rests with the Junta Directiva under Articles 55 and 57.
How Madrid compares with Barcelona and Atlético
El Confidencial notes that Barcelona’s statutes refer to freedom of expression alongside respect for the honour and dignity of directors and players, but do not set out specific infractions or sanctions. Atlético de Madrid’s member regulations follow a similar pattern, with obligations and prohibitions that are less detailed than the provisions introduced by Real Madrid.
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Some socios view Real Madrid’s new wording as an effort to protect directors and players from criticism, particularly criticism of the club’s recently reelected president. The club says the regulation is intended to adapt its disciplinary framework to technological changes and irregular uses of season tickets, match tickets and other access credentials.
Real Madrid supporters celebrate with team scarves at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Disciplinary process
The regulation places the investigation of disciplinary cases with the Comisión de Disciplina Social, while the Junta Directiva retains responsibility for approving the sanctions it proposes. The framework applies to members under the club’s statutes, the new regulation and other applicable rules.
What happens next
The code entered into force on August 1. Its provisions address both irregular ticket resale and conduct that may affect the club, its representatives or its image.
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