Sevilla FC's majority shareholders accuse Sergio Ramos of 'months of deception' as club takeover collapses
The majority shareholders of Sevilla FC have launched a blistering attack on Sergio Ramos, accusing the former player of orchestrating 'months of deception' and breaching a signed agreement to buy the club just days before the exclusivity period expired.
A deal collapses at the final hour
The long-negotiated sale of a majority stake in Sevilla FC to a group led by former player Sergio Ramos has dramatically collapsed, triggering a bitter public war of words. The five families that control the club's capital—Guijarro, Castro, Carrión, Alés, and Del Nido Benavente—issued a 14-point statement on Monday, hours before Ramos was due to hold his own press conference. They allege that on 27 May 2026, just days before the exclusivity agreement was set to expire, Ramos and his advisors declared their 'express intention' not to honor the deal.
The shareholders claim the agreement, initially signed on 26 January 2026, covered the sale of up to 85% of the club's share capital and included a mandatory €80 million capital increase. They accuse Ramos of unilaterally altering the terms at the last minute, presenting a radically different proposal that involved only one remaining investor, the Mexican real estate group DMI, instead of the consortium originally presented, which had included Five Eleven Capital.
The radical change in the investor profile, of a very different nature to the previous ones that had disappeared, even raised doubts about the future of the entity's real estate assets.
Accusations of fraud and legal threats
The shareholders' statement goes beyond mere disappointment, explicitly accusing Ramos of 'fraudulent and malicious conduct.' They have sent a direct communication to Ramos and Five Eleven, denouncing the breach of contract, demanding payment of a penalty clause, and warning that they will seek additional damages beyond the stipulated penalty. The initial penalty is reported to be €500,000, plus notary and legal costs, but the shareholders insist the final claim will be much higher due to the alleged fraudulent nature of the breach.
This morning a direct communication has been sent to Mr. Ramos and Five Eleven, denouncing their breach, demanding payment of the penalty clause, and warning that their fraudulent and malicious conduct will lead to a claim for other damages not included in the claimed penalty.
The statement also demands that Ramos immediately cease breaching confidentiality agreements signed to protect sensitive club data accessed during the due diligence process.
Ramos's version and the press conference
Sergio Ramos has not remained silent. His camp has justified the breakdown by claiming the shareholders' only goal is personal enrichment and that they were unwilling to help solve the club's difficult situation. Ramos called a press conference for 5:00 p.m. on Monday at the Hotel Eurostars Torre Sevilla to give his version of events. His camp argues that the shareholders did not respond to his second offer, which reportedly shifted from an initial €3,400 per share for 80% of the club plus an €80 million capital increase, to a plan where he would buy only 18% from shareholders after a prior €120 million capital increase, giving him eventual control of 60%.
What happens next for Sevilla FC
With the exclusivity period with Ramos now expired, the club's board of directors will continue working on the upcoming season while negotiations reopen with other interested buyers. The shareholders confirmed that at least three other groups, plus a local consortium led by Antonio Lappí and Fede Quintero, had been waiting in the wings. Contacts with these groups resumed on Monday. The shareholders reiterated that any buyer must commit to an €80 million capital increase to accelerate the club's recovery, a condition they say is non-negotiable.
- Sergio Ramos presents his first offer to buy Sevilla FC.
- Two main shareholder groups sign an agreement to sell up to 85% of the club to Ramos's group, including an €80M capital increase.
- Ramos publicly endorses the closed agreement.
- Ramos and his advisors declare they will not honor the agreement, presenting a new plan with only one investor (DMI) and altered terms.
- Shareholders issue a 14-point statement accusing Ramos of fraud; Ramos schedules a 5 p.m. press conference to respond.
A club in turmoil
The failed takeover leaves Sevilla FC in a state of uncertainty. The shareholders described Ramos's actions as 'unworthy of such a respected and relevant figure in the world of football, who a priori represented a guarantee for the future of Sevilla.' The public acrimony and legal threats ensure that the saga is far from over, with both sides digging in for a protracted dispute.
