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Florentino Perez: Real Madrid's new president |
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July 18, 2000
MADRID (AP) - Hard-talking Florentino Perez, who promised to snatch Portuguese winger Luis Figo from Barcelona for dlrs 55 million, upset incumbent Lorenzo Sanz in elections for the Real Madrid's presidency, according to results released Monday. The election of Perez in a 16,500 to 13,300 vote was a surprise overthrow of Sanz as president. Perez, a civil engineer, real estate magnate and one of two contenders for the club presidency, plans major changes within the club that could have an immediate effect on the team's star lineup. Even before the elections, Madrid's sports papers had reported that Perez had signed a pre-agreement with Luis Figo's agent to pay the 10 billion pesetas (dlrs 55 million) buy-out clause in Figo's contract with Barcelona. It would make Figo one of the most highly paid players in the world. During his campaign, Perez had criticized Sanz's reported decision to sell wayward French striker Nicolas Anelka to Paris Saint-German for 200 million francs (dlrs 30 million). Anelka had left PSG in 1997 in a move to English club Arsenal and became the second-most expensive player in history last summer when Real Madrid paid dlrs 35 million to bring him to Spain. Since ballots were cast late Sunday, Perez has not commented on his plans for Anelka. Spanish dailies have also said Perez may try to hire French star Zinedine Zidane. Perez, 53, worked for the Spanish government during the 1970s and 1980s before trying his hand in real estate development. He combined his business and political interests with his love for soccer and ran for Real Madrid's presidency in 1994, which he lost to then-President Ramon Mendoza. Perez has promised to renovate Real Madrid facilities and reduce club debt. Sanz, who ran the team since 1995 and was at the helm during two of its eight European Cup championships, had an administration that was plagued by economic scandals. Despite the troubles, his popularity remained strong. Sanz admitted defeat even before the ballots were tallied Monday morning. |