Severe Penalty Possible Against Perez, Could Lead to Two-Year Suspension

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez's statements, which hinted at theft or corruption referring to the refereeing system, face the possibility of a disciplinary penalty that could range from a suspension of one month to two years, as reported by the Spanish newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo.'

This follows a complaint filed by the referees' union to the disciplinary committee of the Spanish Football Federation against Perez, after a press conference he held four days ago, which sparked widespread controversy in Spanish football circles.

The newspaper explained that the union considers the statements of the Real Madrid president unjustifiable under freedom of expression or sports criticism, as he did not only point to refereeing errors but also attributed a crime of continuous corruption to the refereeing staff for two decades.

The disciplinary body of the Spanish Football Federation is expected to make its final decision on the case, with two scenarios for the penalty according to the disciplinary code.

According to the same source, the maximum scenario involves a suspension from one month to two years, based on Article 94 concerning public acts that affect dignity or sports ethics, which provides for the possibility of imposing a financial fine ranging from 602 to 3006 euros, or suspension, or suspension of activities for a period ranging from one month to two years, or not less than four matches, or even closing facilities for a period from one match to two months.

Despite this scenario, expectations indicate that the more likely outcome is a financial fine only, according to Article 106 of the disciplinary code, related to statements made through the media about members of the refereeing staff or regulatory bodies.

The article states that any statements questioning the integrity or impartiality of referees, or containing offensive, insulting, or hurtful phrases, are punishable by a financial fine.

In the case of officials or clubs, the fine ranges between 601 and 3005.06 euros, according to the Spanish newspaper.