The political tension around Real Madrid is beginning to intensify as the club’s presidential race gathers momentum.
With election season now fully underway, Florentino Perez is no longer facing a quiet opposition as has been the case in the past.
Instead, criticism is becoming increasingly public and increasingly direct.
One of the loudest voices against the current leadership, Enrique Riquelme questioned several aspects of Perez’s long-term vision for the club.
Perez’s closest ally in spotlight
While sporting promises and future transfer ambitions formed part of the discussion, much of the attention shifted towards governance within the club.
Riquelme openly challenged the growing influence of Anas Laghrari, a figure widely considered to be extremely close to Florentino Perez despite not holding an official executive role within the club structure.
Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid
Perez has been attacked by Riquelme. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Speaking during the interview, the presidential candidate raised concerns about the level of power surrounding the businessman and his involvement in major decisions linked to the future of Real Madrid.
“Why is the privatisation of the club, as well as that of the Superliga and many other matters, in the hands of someone very close to him – someone who recently became a member by bypassing every possible waiting list?
“Why is there a person with so much power alongside the president who holds no official position and who, moreover, is involved in most of the club’s operations?” said Riquelme.
Privatisation debate becoming central issue
Beyond criticism aimed at individuals close to Perez, Riquelme also focused heavily on one of the most sensitive discussions – the possibility of structural and corporate changes in the future.
The presidential challenger strongly rejected the idea that Real Madrid should move towards privatisation, arguing that the club’s current model should remain untouched.
“Why should Real Madrid cease to belong to its members? Is the club really in such a precarious financial situation that this is necessary?
Enrique Riquelme, Real Madrid presidential candidate
Enrique Riquelme has questioned Perez’s ambitions. (Picture credit: Instagram/@enriqueriquelmev)
“In reality, privatisation is being used as an excuse to justify the change to the statutes.”
Riquelme then attempted to strengthen his position by claiming that the club could significantly reduce expenses without altering ownership structures or changing the institution’s identity.
“One thing I can promise with absolute certainty is that I would never implement the idea of privatising the club, because it is simply unnecessary.
“Real Madrid could cut its costs directly by between 130 and 140 million euros without any problem,” explains Riquelme.
Lastly, he also pointed towards Real Madrid TV as an example of what he considers excessive spending within the organisation.
“Take Real Madrid TV as an example. Its operating costs far exceed what would be considered normal for the audience share it generates,” he concluded.
Source: MARCA