Enrique Riquelme strongly objects to Perez’s attempt to privatise the club: ‘A red line’ | OneFootball

There are many aspects of Florentino Perez’s project that Enrique Riquelme has singled out and attacked as part of his electoral campaign. One of them is the president’s idea of privatising part of Real Madrid’s ownership.

Indeed, Perez plans to sell out 5% of the ownership of the club to a private investor to fix the valuation of the club’s assets – something that is complicated as long as it is 100% owned by the members.

The idea, however, opens the doors to a dangerous future, especially given that what starts as a token sale could well pave the way to growing privatisation in the years to come and possibly damage the stakeholders of the club.

Riquelme hits out at Perez

Perez’s direct rival Enrique Riquelme spoke out against Perez’s statements from earlier in the day via SPORT, and made it very clear that what the president was pushing for was completely unacceptable.

“What motivated us to run was precisely not crossing a red line that we had always said should never be crossed,” he began, making it his mission to prevent the privatisation.

Perez claims a benefit in privatisation. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

“This goes directly toward privatisation. No more masks. He is clearly saying that he wants to privatise the club,” he added, making it clear what road Perez is going down.

Riquelme then urged club members not to vote in the referendum that Perez is calling for, asking them to utilise the excuse of the Pope’s arrival on the same day as a hurdle.

“The referendum won’t happen whenever candidate Pérez wants it to happen. I ask the members, please, to be brave.”

“I know it’s inconvenient to travel to Valdebebas to vote because Madrid will be extremely crowded on the 7th.”

He finally made another clear call for members to line up against Perez and prevent the sale to a private investor.

“The referendum is on the 7th. We are completely against this privatisation. The club must remain 100% owned by its members. Today was a day when the masks came off.”

On violence in football

The second topic the presidential candidate dived into was that of violence in football, especially in light of the ruckus in Paris after PSG won the UEFA Champions League last night.

“I condemn violence in football and in sport,” he said.

Riquelme promises a violence-free term as president . (Picture credit: Instagram/@enriqueriquelmev)

Using the same selling point in his electoral campaign, Riquelme explained how he will ensure such incidents do not happen if he is made the president.

“If I am elected, I will be absolutely clear on this issue. I will not allow any form of violence inside, outside, or around the stadium, nor anything related to football.”