‘Moral obligation to take a step forward’ – Enrique Riquelme outlines plans to contest in Real Madrid presidential elections | OneFootball

A political battle is likely to begin at Real Madrid after Enrique Riquelme admitted he is considering presenting a presidential candidacy against Florentino Perez.

In comments that immediately created major discussion around the club’s future, Riquelme suggested there is both a “moral and ethical obligation” to offer Real Madrid members an alternative long-term vision, especially with the presidential process arriving far earlier than expected.

The potential candidate openly acknowledged that his group had originally been preparing for a future electoral process much later down the line.

“There’s a moral and ethical obligation for us to take a step forward and present something meaningful, something inspiring.

“We didn’t have a plan for today. We’d been working on a strategy for 2028 for some time, but the elections have been brought forward by three years,” he began.

There is pressure

The businessman then admitted that the short preparation period has created enormous pressure internally as his team rushes to decide whether they can realistically build a competitive project within the available timeframe.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Enrique Riquelme (@enriqueriquelmev)

“We know these are the rules and that we have no right to complain. 

“We’ve been given a few days and we’ve found ourselves in a mess that, for us… wasn’t meant to be at this point.”

Despite those difficulties, the potential presidential challenger made it clear that discussions are actively continuing behind the scenes.

“We’re not going to be part of the whole circus in a short space of time, but we’re working on it; there’s an obligation to take a step, if we can.”

Riquelme’s theme

One of the strongest themes throughout the interview was Riquelme’s insistence that Real Madrid require fresh long-term planning despite the enormous success achieved under Florentino Perez.

The businessman repeatedly emphasised that his intention is not to disrespect the current president or diminish his achievements.

“I have total respect for Real Madrid, for the institution, for Mr. Florentino Perez, who has built the best Real Madrid team ever.

“We’ve all enjoyed the titles, but as with everything in life, there has to be a change of cycle, a plan for the coming years.”

He also highlighted how difficult the current electoral system makes genuine opposition campaigns.

“We’re seeing if we can put forward a proposal, despite the complexity of the rules… because that’s why there haven’t been any elections for 20 years.”

Crucial period for Real Madrid

The Real Madrid elections story is significant not only because of politics, but because it potentially signals the beginning of a crucial debate regarding the club’s future.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Enrique Riquelme (@enriqueriquelmev)

For two decades, Perez has dominated Real Madrid institutionally while overseeing one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. 

Multiple Champions League titles, Galactico signings, the Santiago Bernabeu redevelopment, and worldwide commercial growth have strengthened his position enormously.

That is precisely why serious opposition has been almost non-existent.

Riquelme himself acknowledged this reality when discussing the complexity of the current election process. 

Speaking about the work happening, Riquelme joked, “We’re working 24/7… I’m going to get kicked out of the house if I keep this up!”

He then added, “To see if we can come up with something exciting. And if we don’t win, that some of these ideas can be used to improve Real Madrid.”

Interestingly, the possible candidate also refused to fully confirm whether he will officially stand for election.

Keeping that suspense alive, Riquelme admitted: “I don’t know… they’ve given us until Saturday and we’re going to work on the best project.”

He then concluded, “We’ll try, if we go ahead, which I’d love… But it’s not just my decision and it has to be something exciting from a sporting point of view in the medium to long term.”

Source: AS