Accuses Pérez of “Selling the Club” and Manipulating the Census

Riquelme Unleashes a Storm at the Bernabéu: Accuses Pérez of “Selling the Club” and Manipulating the Census

Real Madrid's presidential candidacy is ignited by harsh criticism and direct accusations about the management and future of the white entity.

Real Madrid's electoral scene has exploded with the forceful statements of Enrique Riquelme, presidential candidate, who has launched a verbal offensive against the current board of directors headed by Florentino Pérez. In an interview that has shaken the foundations of the club, Riquelme has not only questioned the legitimacy of the electoral process, but has directly accused Pérez of having the intention of “selling the club” and of using the membership census irregularly to favor his candidacy.

Riquelme's words resonated strongly on Cadena Ser's 'El Larguero', where he expressed his deep concern about the use of the electoral roll. “That the census is used only for one candidacy is something serious,” he stated, referring to the sending of votes by mail to members. According to the candidate, he was denied access to the census under the pretext of data protection, while, surprisingly, Florentino Pérez's candidacy has managed to send its proposal and ballot to all members.

This disparity in treatment has been described by Riquelme as improper use of the club for electoral purposes, a practice that he considers unacceptable. “The club is being used to send a candidate's proposal to all members with their vote,” he denounced, adding a layer of controversy to the already tense presidential campaign.

The candidate seemed “comfortable” with his decision to run for office, stating that his “red line” has always been the sale of the club. Florentino Pérez's recent statements, according to Riquelme, have dispelled any doubts in this regard, making clear his intention to privatize the entity. “You can't say it more clearly,” said Riquelme, who also ironically commented on the current president's other proposals, such as the acquisition of exclusive Apple glasses for 4,500 euros, contrasting them with the seriousness of the possible sale of the club.

Florentino Pérez's proposal to sell 5% of the club has been the main focus of Riquelme's criticism. “Selling is privatizing, of course,” he stated, questioning the need to privatize something that, in his opinion, already belongs to the partners. He warned about the implications of modifying the statutes, pointing out that political control would pass to a foundation whose trustees would appoint the president, diluting the power of the partner. His vision is clear: “What needs to be put is the partner at the center.”

Regarding the financial health of Real Madrid, Riquelme emphasized the high debt of 1.7 billion euros associated with the stadium. Although he recognized the merit of the club as the one that generates the most income worldwide, according to Forbes, he also pointed out that it is the one that spends the most, allocating 45% of its expenses to sports, a figure that contrasts with the 80% that other European clubs allocate.

Shadows also loom over the figure of Anas Laghrari, advisor to Florentino Pérez. Riquelme expressed his bewilderment at Laghrari's predominant role in the club's key decisions, despite not holding an official position and having recently become a member. Doubts about his influence on the club's finances and operations are, for Riquelme, unavoidable.

The Criticisms of Florentino Pérez: A Target of Attack

Enrique Riquelme acknowledged having a deep respect for Florentino Pérez as president and for his sporting successes, but he was surprised by his “forms.” He accused the current president of resorting to “lie after lie” to undermine his candidacy. Riquelme, for his part, has had to face the demand for a personal guarantee of almost 700 million euros to endorse his candidacy, a figure that contrasts with the 200 million guarantee requested.

Riquelme defended himself against the personal attacks of Pérez, who has evoked Ramón Calderón's assembly or the presence of people linked to previous meetings in his team. “I was 15 years old,” Riquelme replied about Calderón's time. He denied Pérez's narrative, pointing out that two of the people mentioned were part of previous boards and that one of them, Antonio Medina, until recently was aligned with Florentino Pérez.

The candidate emphasized that his heritage was built before his foray into Real Madrid, unlike the professional career of Pérez, who in his youth dedicated himself to politics before moving into the business field. “I come to Real Madrid to serve and cut back,” he stated, suggesting that the current Florentino Pérez is far from the one he was a decade ago.

Firm Position on the 'Negreira Case'

Enrique Riquelme did not avoid the controversy of the 'Negreira case', declaring himself “the first to denounce that it should have been attacked sooner.” He recalled that, while he was part of the Super League, Pérez defended the need for a “strong Barça” and that, according to Riquelme, “he saved Barcelona when it was KO.” Pérez's position, according to the candidate, has been ambiguous, keeping silent about the Negreira case while it suited him for the Super League, and reacting only when FC Barcelona has mocked Real Madrid.

To demonstrate his commitment and dispel any doubts about his position, Riquelme announced a tour of various cities, starting with Catalonia and Andalusia. “Tomorrow we will also do several cities, we are going to Catalonia to show our face to those who say that we are putting ourselves in profile with the Negreira case,” he announced, followed by a visit to Seville. The elections for the presidency of Real Madrid will be held next Sunday, June 7, a key day that will define the future of the white entity.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Real Madrid Presidential Election

Who are the main candidates for the presidency of Real Madrid?

The main contenders are Enrique Riquelme and the current president, Florentino Pérez.

What is Enrique Riquelme's main accusation against Florentino Pérez?

Riquelme accuses Pérez of wanting to “sell the club” and of using the membership census irregularly to benefit his candidacy.

What worries Riquelme about the use of the electoral roll?

He is concerned that the census has been used to send Florentino Pérez's candidacy to all members, while he was denied access due to alleged data protection.

What does Riquelme think about the proposal to sell 5% of the club?

He considers that selling any percentage is privatizing and questions the need to do so when the club already belongs to the members.

How does Riquelme evaluate Real Madrid's financial situation?

He recognizes the club's high income but points out a significant debt of 1.7 billion euros for the stadium and high sports spending.

What doubts does Riquelme have about Anas Laghrari?

He questions his influence on important club decisions, his lack of official position, and his recent affiliation as a member.

What is Riquelme's position on the 'Negreira case'?

He maintains that action should have been taken sooner and criticizes Florentino Pérez's ambiguous position on the matter.

When will the elections for the presidency of Real Madrid be held?

The elections are scheduled for next Sunday, June 7.

What measures is Riquelme taking to show his face to the partners?

He announced a tour of several cities, including Catalonia and Andalusia, to explain his project and his position.

What financial guarantees has Riquelme had to present?

He has had to provide a personal guarantee of almost 700 million euros to support his candidacy.

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