Real Madrid is falling apart says dissident director

Real Madrid is in a desperate situation and it is time to call a presidential election, says club director Ramon Calderon.

"Madrid is gradually falling apart and now is the moment to call an election," Calderon told sports daily AS yesterday.

"Two months have passed since the new president took charge and he still hasn't called the board together. We are in a desperate situation. He said he would secure the board's agreement to important decisions and he has not done that."

Fernando Martin was appointed Real president at the end of February after Florentino Perez resigned when it became clear the club would end a third successive season without silverware. Martin has said he has no immediate plans to call an election. He issued a statement on the Real website yesterday calling for unity.

When he took charge Martin said he would get tough with the club's players. He also promised to appoint a new coach by the end of March.

Although he named a seven-man target list, no announcement has been made about the future boss.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is reported by the Spanish media to be the club's first choice, with England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson as a possible back-up option.

Calderon said he and other dissident directors hoped to persuade Martin to call an election at a board meeting today week. He would stand against Martin if an election did take place, he said.

Real Madrid are third in the Primera Liga, 13 points behind leaders Barcelona and two behind Valencia.