Former Real president under judicial investigation

A Spanish judge placed under judicial investigation on Wednesday 14 people, including former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon, over a December general assembly that was marred by irregularities.

Vicente Boluda, who took over from Calderon in January after he stepped down following allegations that he rigged voting at the assembly, is among those put under judicial investigation, the first step to formal charges.

The crimes of corruption and fraud which the 14 are suspected of carry prison terms of between six months and four years under Spanish law.

Boluda, who is occupying the post until fresh elections for Real president are set to be held on June 14, and Calderon are required to appear before the judge on May 20.

Sports daily Marca reported on January 13 that Calderon rigged voting at Real?s annual general assembly in December, which approved its financial accounts, by allowing phoney club members to cast ballots.

Calderon, whose four-year term at the helm of Real had been set to expire in 2010, has denied any wrongdoing.

Real’s annual general meeting was repeated in March.

Former Real president Florentino Perez is tipped as the favourite to win the upcoming elections for president even though he has not said if he intends to run.

Perez is best known for recruiting top players like Luis Figo, Ronaldo and David Beckham, a policy which earned Real the nickname “Los Galacticos”.