Enrique Riquelme Set to Challenge Florentino Perez in Real Madrid Elections
Real Madrid could witness their first contested presidential election since 2006 after Spanish businessman Enrique Riquelme informed the electoral board of his intention to run against current president Florentino Perez. Riquelme now has 48 hours to submit a €187m bank guarantee.
For the first time since 2006, Real Madrid are set to have a contested presidential election as current president Florentino Perez faces opposition from Spanish businessman Enrique Riquelme. Perez, who initially became president in 2000 after defeating Lorenzo Sanz, has remained unopposed in every election since returning to office in 2009.
However, the situation has now changed after Perez publicly challenged Riquelme to stand against him. According to reports, Riquelme has already informed the club’s electoral board about his intention to run. He now has 48 hours to officially complete the process, which includes presenting a massive €187m bank guarantee along with his proposed board members.
The deadline for submission falls on Saturday. If his candidacy is approved, elections are expected to take place within the next 2 weeks, with June 7 likely to be the voting date. The uncertainty around the elections could also affect the possible arrival of Jose Mourinho as Real Madrid’s next manager. Although an interim board could appoint him, any agreement may reportedly include clauses linked to the election outcome. Despite the challenge, Perez remains the strong favourite to retain the presidency.