Spanish businessman’s camp fears disaster in potential battle against Florentino Perez in Real Madrid election
TL;DR
Florentino Perez has called for elections at Real Madrid, surprising fans amid internal turmoil. His leadership faces potential challenge from businessman Enrique Riquelme.
Key points
- Florentino Perez called for elections at Real Madrid
- Current situation is difficult for Perez as president
- Enrique Riquelme may contest against Perez
Mentioned in this story
Spanish businessman’s camp fears disaster in potential battle against Florentino Perez in Real Madrid election
Florentino Perez’s surprise call for elections left many Real Madrid fans stunned, as it seemed the wrong time to take such a measure. After all, the club is internally in disarray.
There is no doubt that the current situation is the most difficult period Perez has faced as Real Madrid president, and his call for elections was an indirect way of showing he is not afraid of being replaced.
While Perez has usually maintained his presidency unopposed, there was talk of Enrique Riquelme potentially contesting against him this year.
After all, the candidate even confirmed his interest in being Real Madrid president in a recent social media post and admitted that he was considering running.
Strongly advised against running
As reported by Miguel Serrano (h/t The Madrid Zone) in a recent update, Riquelme and his team have a project that is ready to revolutionise Real Madrid and are prepared to take on any candidate in the elections.
Riquelme has been advised not to run against Perez. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The only candidate they fear going up against is Perez.
Riquelme’s partners do not advise him to go up against the current Real Madrid president, given his legacy at the club and how he is almost synonymous with the institution at this point.
They feel that they have everything to lose and nothing to gain as part of the operation if they participate in the upcoming election and advise him to wait for the next one.
A wrong idea
The pressure on Florentino Perez was at an all-time high in recent weeks, especially after the colossal fallouts behind the scenes. Riquelme and his entourage, thus, expected the Real Madrid president to step down from his position.
Perez’s Real Madrid legacy is unbeatable. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
When he began thinking of running for elections back in January, the Spanish businessman expected that Perez would place an heir in his place and step down, and the idea was to take on that heir.
Taking on Perez himself, however, is not something Riquelme is open to.
It thus remains to be seen if Perez faces any official competition in the upcoming election or is re-elected without hindrance.
In any case, Real Madrid will hope to sort out the situation swiftly and begin addressing the holes in the squad.
Q&A
Why did Florentino Perez call for elections at Real Madrid?
Florentino Perez called for elections to assert his position amid the club's internal disarray and to show he is not afraid of being replaced.
Who is Enrique Riquelme and what is his role in the Real Madrid election?
Enrique Riquelme is a Spanish businessman who is considering contesting against Florentino Perez in the upcoming Real Madrid presidential election.
What challenges is Florentino Perez facing as Real Madrid president?
Florentino Perez is facing significant challenges as president, marking one of the most difficult periods in his tenure due to the club's internal issues.
