Real Madrid presidential candidate talks RMTV, privatisation, Florentino Perez and more – “Best players will come” | OneFootball

Real Madrid is heading toward its first presidential election since 2006, and the contest now has a formal challenger to the incumbent leadership.

Enrique Riquelme, a businessman from Alicante and executive chairman of Grupo Cox, submitted his candidacy to the club’s Electoral Board and sat down for an interview as a candidate with MARCA.

Riquelme has framed his bid as a democratic alternative after two decades without an electoral contest, and he has been openly critical of what he sees as a drift away from member-centric governance.

On why he is running

Riquelme described his decision as the culmination of a long-held ambition, rooted in a belief that the club needs a serious alternative after 20 years without elections.

Enrique Riquelme is going all out against Florentino Perez. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“This comes from a dream. Many children seek to be Real Madrid football players, great athletes, and on my side, my dream has been to support Real Madrid for many years, from the offices.”

“We believe that, after 20 years, a healthy alternative, a serious alternative and a professional alternative is healthy so that the members can vote.”

On privatisation and the members

The candidate has repeatedly pointed to privatisation as the core issue motivating his campaign, arguing that the membership model is under threat.

“As things stand today, there have been no presidential elections at Real Madrid for 20 years, in a structure where governance is privatised, the member ceases to be the foundation and the club ceases to belong to them.”

“We want a Real Madrid that continues to belong to its members for more than 120 years.”

On the sporting project

Riquelme confirmed there is a sporting plan in place, though he stopped short of revealing names.

“I confirm that we have important names who will come. The best players that Real Madrid needs at this moment will come, along with the part of sporting professionalisation.”

“Real Madrid has to once again have the values that have been, fortunately, they have not been lost, but they have been worn down over a long time.”

On Real Madrid Televisión

The candidate was also asked about the club’s in-house channel, and he made clear he sees significant scope for change there too.

“Real Madrid Television has a budget of around 40 or 45 million euros, with an approximate share of 0.1; when they air Winsor movies, 0.2.”

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

“I believe Real Madrid Television can improve financially; it has the ability to draw on the youth academy, the entire Real Madrid club, and players to create certain content, to inform members, to inform Madridistas, and it should not become a sectarian outlet.

“Rather something that attracts Madridismo, and first informs current supporters, entertains current supporters, but is also a magnet to attract Madridistas around the world. And that must be profitable, not with a budget of €40 or €45 million.”

On the club’s institutional standing

Asked about Real Madrid’s strained relations with footballing institutions, he was unequivocal.

“It cannot be that we are at odds with everyone.”

“I do not need a strong Barcelona; I need a strong Real Madrid to compete against the rest. So we need them to respect us again, not fear us; it is very different.”

On his first move as president

“My first decision is for Real Madrid to professionalise, and from there, build.”