Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon insists he and his board of directors were not guilty of voting irregularities at last month's general assembly.
Leading Spanish newspaper Marca alleged unauthorised persons were allowed entry to the general assembly and that votes were manipulated leading to key issues, such as Calderon's budget, falling in favour of the current regime.
However, at a press conference held at the Bernabeu last night, Calderon maintained the club's board have no connection to the allegations.
The Madrid president added that an investigation committee has been put in place and that Mariano Rodriguez de Barutell and Luis Barcena have been dismissed.
"We were all unpleasantly surprised to read the allegations made by the newspaper Marca," said Calderon.
"None of us had any direct or indirect participation in such events. No one maintains relations with those people who appear in the photographs in question."
He added: "The club has assembled an Investigation Committee, the first results of which are the dismissal of Mariano RodrÃguez de Barutell and his superior Luis Barcena."
Calderon has come under pressure in recent months and survived a vote of confidence at December's general assembly.
Madrid have won back-to-back league titles, but have struggled this season and December saw coach Bernd Schuster dismissed from the post, with Juande Ramos taking the reins in a bid to close the 12-point gap to bitter rivals Barcelona.
Calderon has also been criticised for his failed bids to land superstar players, and Spanish businessman Juan Villalonga used the general assembly to request that presidential elections take place and put forward himself as a candidate for the post.
In an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena Ser on Tuesday evening, Calderon stated that he would not resign from his post, but hinted that he is unlikely to stand for re-election in 2010.
"It's not in my character to resign and it will not help the team," said Calderon. "It would be irresponsible."
On the prospect of seeking re-election, he added: "If I had to answer now I would say no. I've put a lot of effort in and to me it's been worth the pain because it's an honour and I've had great joy at winning two leagues.
"It's tough to be president, but it's harder work down a mine. I have no interest in staying here for life."
However, at a press conference held at the Bernabeu last night, Calderon maintained the club's board have no connection to the allegations.
The Madrid president added that an investigation committee has been put in place and that Mariano Rodriguez de Barutell and Luis Barcena have been dismissed.
"We were all unpleasantly surprised to read the allegations made by the newspaper Marca," said Calderon.
"None of us had any direct or indirect participation in such events. No one maintains relations with those people who appear in the photographs in question."
He added: "The club has assembled an Investigation Committee, the first results of which are the dismissal of Mariano RodrÃguez de Barutell and his superior Luis Barcena."
Calderon has come under pressure in recent months and survived a vote of confidence at December's general assembly.
Madrid have won back-to-back league titles, but have struggled this season and December saw coach Bernd Schuster dismissed from the post, with Juande Ramos taking the reins in a bid to close the 12-point gap to bitter rivals Barcelona.
Calderon has also been criticised for his failed bids to land superstar players, and Spanish businessman Juan Villalonga used the general assembly to request that presidential elections take place and put forward himself as a candidate for the post.
In an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena Ser on Tuesday evening, Calderon stated that he would not resign from his post, but hinted that he is unlikely to stand for re-election in 2010.
"It's not in my character to resign and it will not help the team," said Calderon. "It would be irresponsible."
On the prospect of seeking re-election, he added: "If I had to answer now I would say no. I've put a lot of effort in and to me it's been worth the pain because it's an honour and I've had great joy at winning two leagues.
"It's tough to be president, but it's harder work down a mine. I have no interest in staying here for life."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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