Real Madrid members challenge new rules that could sanction criticism of directors

Real Madrid’s new Reglamento de Disciplina Social, which took effect on August 1, has prompted pushback from some club members who believe its wording could be used to punish criticism of directors and players, according to reporting by El Confidencial.

The Junta Directiva, presided over by Florentino Pérez, approved the regulation on July 28. Members were notified on July 31, one day before it replaced a code that had been in place since 2017. The club says the update was driven primarily by technological change and the need to address irregular resale of match tickets and season passes.

Two articles have attracted the most scrutiny. 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 extends that to any verbal or written act 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 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, while the Junta Directiva retains final approval under Articles 55 and 57.

El Confidencial notes that the framework is more detailed than those of Real Madrid’s domestic rivals. Barcelona’s statutes reference 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 broadly similar pattern, with obligations and prohibitions that are less prescriptive than Real Madrid’s new provisions.

Some socios interpret the new wording as an attempt to shield directors and players from criticism — particularly criticism directed at the recently re-elected club president. Real Madrid maintains that the regulation is designed to modernise its disciplinary framework in response to technological developments and the irregular use of season tickets, match tickets and other access credentials.

The code is now in force and applies to members under the club’s statutes, the new regulation and other applicable rules.