Enrique Riquelme, a candidate for the Real Madrid presidency, has leveled accusations of defamation against the current president, Florentino Perez, with only ten days remaining until the elections. Both candidates presented their platforms for the upcoming term on Wednesday evening.
During his presentation, Perez alluded to Riquelme’s campaign, suggesting it was connected to the controversial period under Ramon Calderon’s presidency (2006-2009) and aimed at exploiting the club for personal gain. “They were at the center of a dark period in Real Madrid’s history. Now we know this campaign is orchestrated by the same individuals who, in an assembly we’d all like to forget, stripped members of their rights,” stated Cadena Cope.
Enrique Riquelme Responds to Accusations
Following his own presentation of proposals, Riquelme issued a statement on Thursday refuting Perez’s claims. He highlighted that he was only 15 years old during Calderon’s tenure. Marca published his statement, which read:
“Real Madrid deserves far more than noise, falsehoods, self-serving rumors, and smear campaigns directed at Madridistas who share the same passion for the club. They should never be manipulated to stifle democracy within Real Madrid. In recent hours, we have regrettably observed how Mr. Florentino Perez and his close associates have resorted to personal attacks and confrontation rather than fostering a calm and dignified debate befitting the world’s greatest sporting institution.“
Riquelme’s statement also questioned the role of Anas Laghrari as an unofficial advisor to Perez, deeming it unacceptable that concerns from members regarding his involvement are being dismissed. He concluded by formally inviting Perez to participate in a debate.
Riquelme’s Proposals for Real Madrid
Having previously indicated he has a preferred coach and two major transfer targets in mind, Riquelme has recently focused on addressing the concerns of club members. One of his proposed initiatives, shared with Cadena Cope, involves a 50% reduction in membership fees until Real Madrid wins the Champions League again.
Additionally, Riquelme suggested increasing ticket availability and providing priority access to spare tickets for members. Season-ticket holders unable to attend matches would have the opportunity to recoup 70% of their seat’s price. Riquelme also pledged to ensure Real Madrid is never sold to an investor. His proposals also emphasized greater transparency concerning the management of VIP boxes and the season-ticket waiting list.
Florentino Perez’s Re-election Promises
During his presentation, attended by former players Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo Nazario, and Guti Hernandez, all of whom endorsed his re-election, Perez assured that “signings will come, as they always have.” The incumbent president also committed to pursuing justice in the Negreira case and reiterated his vision of members becoming true owners, referencing a past concept of converting members into shareholders. Another key proposal is the “Infinite Bernabeu” project, which aims to collaborate with Apple to create virtual reality game experiences from the stadium.
English Translation:
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate for the Real Madrid presidency, has accused incumbent Florentino Perez of defamation, with just ten days left until the elections. Both Perez and Riquelme participated in events on Wednesday evening to outline their proposals for the next term.
During his event, Perez alleged that Riquelme’s campaign was linked to the period when Ramon Calderon was in charge between 2006 and 2009, and that it sought to exploit the club for personal benefit. “They were at the center of a dark period in Real Madrid’s history. Now we know that this campaign is orchestrated by the same people who, in an assembly we’d all like to erase from our memories, stole the members’ sovereignty,” Cadena Cope reported.
Enrique Riquelme’s Statement in Response
Riquelme, who had already delivered his own speech detailing his future vision for the club, released a statement on Thursday responding to Perez’s claims. He pointed out that he was only 15 years old when Calderon was in power. Marca carried his statement:
“Real Madrid deserves much more than noise, lies, self-serving rumors, and smear campaigns among Madridistas who share the same love for the club and who should never be used to limit democracy at Real Madrid. In recent hours, we have sadly witnessed how Mr. Florentino Perez and those closest to him have opted for personal attacks and tension instead of fostering a calm, elegant debate befitting the greatest sporting institution in the world.”
The statement further questioned the role of Anas Laghrari as an unofficial advisor to Perez, describing it as ‘unacceptable’ that members’ doubts about his involvement are being silenced. Riquelme’s statement concluded with a formal invitation to Perez to engage in a debate.
Riquelme’s Proposals for Real Madrid Mandate
Having previously announced that he has a manager in mind and two star signings lined up should he win, Riquelme has, over the past 24 hours, focused on addressing member concerns. One of his proposals, presented on Cadena Cope, is to reduce the membership fee by 50% until Los Blancos win the Champions League again.
Riquelme also suggested providing more tickets and priority access to available tickets for members, as well as offering season-ticket holders who cannot attend games the chance to recoup 70% of their seat’s price. Riquelme would guarantee that Real Madrid would not be sold to an investor. Another proposal called for greater transparency regarding the management of VIP boxes and the season-ticket waiting list.
Florentino Perez’s Proposals for Re-election
Meanwhile, during his presentation, Perez promised that “the signings will come, as they always have,” in an event attended by Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo Nazario, and Guti Hernandez, all of whom backed Perez for re-election. The current Real Madrid President also pledged to continue fighting for justice in the Negreira case and stated that members would become true owners, referencing an earlier idea to convert members into shareholders. “Infinite Bernabeu” is another proposal Perez promised to advance, an initiative to work with Apple to reproduce games in virtual reality from the Bernabeu.
