The Real Madrid presidential race has now moved far beyond campaign promises and sporting projects.
What began as a political challenge to Florentino Perez is rapidly turning into a full public confrontation.
Just hours after Perez used his candidacy presentation to question Enrique Riquelme’s credibility and link his environment to the controversial Ramon Calderon era, the opposing candidate responded with a lengthy and strongly worded statement aimed directly at the current president.
Here is what was said
Riquelme started by accusing Perez and those closest to him of trying to discredit his campaign through personal attacks rather than engaging in an open discussion about the future of the club.
More significantly, he once again challenged the current president to participate in a public debate in front of Real Madrid’s members before voting takes place on 7 June.
In his statement, Riquelme insisted the current climate surrounding the elections does not reflect the standards expected from an institution of Real Madrid’s size.
**“Madrid deserves much better than lies and self-serving rumours,**” says Riquelme.
The businessman then criticised what he described as an increasingly hostile approach from the current leadership.
“In recent hours, we have watched with sadness as Mr Florentino Perez and those closest to him have opted for personal attacks and tension rather than fostering a calm, dignified debate befitting the world’s greatest sporting institution.”
A large part of the response focused on claims made by Perez regarding Riquelme’s business background and financial operations.
The presidential candidate strongly denied the accusations and argued that the information circulated by the current administration was false and misleading.
“Mr Florentino Pérez has circulated information that is completely and utterly false, citing articles for which the publication itself has apologised to this campaign and which have already been corrected by the publication because they were based on false and biased information.”
Turns attention towards Perez’s inner circle
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez
Riquelme has hit back at Florentino Perez. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
As the statement progressed, the focus shifted from defence to counterattack.
Riquelme attempted to dismantle Perez’s attempt to associate him with the Ramon Calderon period by pointing out that he was only 15 years old during that time.
He also clarified that Antonio Medina, the only member of his current candidacy linked to that era, had remained involved with the Real Madrid Foundation until very recently.
“The only member of our candidacy who was part of that era is Mr. Antonio Medina, but Mr. Pérez neglected to mention that he was also a member of the Real Madrid Foundation’s board until last week, resigning to join our candidacy.”
The statement then moved towards one of the most sensitive topics currently surrounding the elections: transparency around figures operating close to the current president.
Without holding back, Riquelme questioned the influence of individuals connected to Florentino’s inner circle, specifically mentioning Anas Laghari.
“It is unacceptable that members’ doubts regarding the club’s business dealings and the relationships of certain individuals in the president’s inner circle, such as Mr Anas Laghari.
“His influence on strategic operations and dubious financial dealings linked to Real Madrid and the inner circles of Barcelona F.C., are silenced or ridiculed.
“This warrants full transparency and clear explanations to the membership.”
Invitation for a debate
The most striking aspect of the statement, though, was how insistently Riquelme returned to the idea of a live public debate.
For the third time, he openly invited Perez to participate in a televised exchange where both candidates could answer questions directly in front of supporters and discuss the club’s future model openly.
“The members deserve to know the truth about what is happening within the club and to be able to make a decision based on full information, institutional respect and in full view of the public, because eras come and go, but Real Madrid and its values must always remain above any individual,” he added.
Source: AS