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Pérez faces election challenge as Real Madrid presidential race heats up

Pérez faces election challenge as Real Madrid presidential race heats up

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Real Madrid will hold presidential elections on Sunday, challenging Florentino Pérez's 20-year tenure.
  • Challenger Enrique Riquelme, 37, promises high-profile signings like Erling Haaland, though Manchester City and Haaland's agent deny any deal.
  • Pérez, who previously signed Luis Figo and plans to announce a massive transfer, aims to secure another term against a younger rival.

Florentino Pérez, the long-standing president of Real Madrid, faces a challenge to his 20-year reign as the club holds elections on Sunday. Pérez, 79, who has led the club to global dominance, will compete against Enrique Riquelme, 37, a renewable energy executive promising significant changes. Riquelme has gained traction with the support of former Real Madrid stars like Raúl González, Iker Casillas, and Fernando Hierro. He has pledged to bring in top talent, including Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Rodri. However, Manchester City has dismissed any possibility of selling Haaland, whose contract runs until 2034. Haaland's agent also stated that Riquelme's claims were untrue. Pérez, known for delivering on ambitious promises, such as signing Luis Figo in 2000, dismissed Riquelme's Haaland pledge as a "bluff." The incumbent president announced he would reveal a record-breaking transfer, valued at over 150 million euros, after the election. Pérez also plans to bring back former coach José Mourinho and sign a Liverpool defender.

Why do they want to kill me? Because there are some kids out there saying they want to run? Well, let them. I would love them to.

— Florentino PérezPérez expresses agitation about perceived attempts to undermine his presidency and welcomes challengers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.