The campaign hit a snag when Haaland's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, and father, Alfie Haaland, issued a joint statement describing the claims as "not true". However, Riquelme compared the situation to the controversial transfer of Luis Figo from fierce rivals Barcelona in 2000, suggesting that public denials are a standard defensive tactic during high-profile transfer negotiations and election cycles.
When asked about the backlash, Riquelme responded: "Well, it's part of the game. Better than you, nobody knows it. It also happened with Figo; this is part of football. Protecting the player, we had spoken before and after, also with Pablo (Barquero), Rodri's representative. I know perfectly well that then you have to talk to City. They are different circumstances, Rodri's than Haaland's, but you have to talk to City. We have maximum respect for the club."