Florentino Pérez vs Enrique Riquelme, the key steps towards a possible Real Madrid vote | OneFootball

Real Madrid are nearing a scenario unseen at the club for about two decades, a contested presidential vote between Florentino Pérez and Enrique Riquelme. Around 98,000 members with voting rights could choose if the Alicante businessman files a bank guarantee that the club must approve. Its validation would trigger the first electoral race since 2006.

Candidacies close on Saturday 23 May, with admission and proclamation the next day, and a two day window for appeals. If more than one ticket is confirmed, the campaign would run in late May and early June, with potential face to face debates. Radio Marca reports that Riquelme’s camp want two such meetings to compare programmes.

The statutes were amended in 2012 under Pérez to require 20 years’ membership to stand and a guarantee worth 15% of the budget, 187 million, secured against personal assets, not third parties. In 2022 the Sports Law further entrenched the guarantee demand. Riquelme first tried to run in April 2021 but withdrew citing timings, and he now says he meets the guarantee and is expected to present it this Thursday.

Balloting would take place between 7 and 9 June, with Sunday 7 June considered the most likely date. Members could vote in person at a venue to be determined, traditionally the Bernabéu, though Valdebebas would also be valid. The club has announced the stadium will host a meeting with the Pope on 8 June.

Postal voting must be notarised to verify identity and ensure a personal, non‑delegated ballot, and there are no off‑site ballot boxes. The safeguard followed the 2006 election, when a judge halted postal collection four days before polling over weak guarantees, prompting the notary‑centred system.

Some members asked whether squad planning would pause after two trophyless seasons. Article 39 confirms the outgoing board remains fully empowered until the new leadership takes office, so work on signings, including any move for José Mourinho, can continue. What sporting plan Riquelme would present, if he stands, remains to be seen.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo