Enrique Riquelme has strongly responded to the accusations made by Florentino Pérez during the presentation of his presidential candidacy at the Meliá Castilla hotel, where the current Real Madrid president questioned both the businessman’s links to the Ramón Calderón era and the financial stability of his companies.

In an official statement, Riquelme accused Florentino Pérez and those close to him of choosing confrontation over respectful debate during the election campaign.

“Real Madrid deserves much more than noise, lies, self-serving rumors, and smear campaigns among Madridistas who share the same love for the club and which should never be used to limit democracy at Real Madrid,” the statement began.

“In recent hours, we have sadly witnessed how Mr. Florentino Pérez and those closest to him have opted for personal attacks and tension instead of fostering a calm and elegant debate befitting the greatest sporting institution in the world.”

Riquelme also rejected Florentino’s comments regarding a financial transaction linked to his energy company.

“Mr. Florentino Pérez disseminated information that is completely and categorically false, relying on publications for which the media outlet itself has apologized to this candidacy and which have already been corrected by the outlet itself because they had received false and biased information. In fact, the transaction he refers to was financed with a $2 billion corporate bond issue in the US market at 7.25% and represented a milestone in the history of bond issuances in Latin America, with demand reaching $8 billion.”

The presidential candidate criticized Florentino Pérez’s conduct during recent public appearances and defended the legitimacy of his candidacy.

“Once again, and for the third time in public appearances, Florentino Pérez's attitude and behavior are unacceptable, questioning the integrity and legitimacy of our candidacy, despite it having been declared valid by the Electoral Board in accordance with the Statutes and Electoral Rules of the Club.”

Riquelme also responded to suggestions linking his candidacy to the Ramón Calderón presidency.

“The candidacy is led by Enrique Riquelme, directly backed by his personal assets, and validated by the Electoral Board. Any insinuation about linked individuals should be explained by Florentino Pérez himself after 20 years in power, including a detailed explanation of the involvement of his family and friends in the club's management and intermediation network.”

He added: “During the period Florentino Pérez mentions regarding Ramón Calderón, Enrique Riquelme was 15 years old. The only member of our candidacy who was part of that era is Mr. Antonio Medina, but Mr. Pérez neglected to mention that he was also a member of his board at the Real Madrid Foundation until last week and resigned to join our candidacy. Likewise, Juan Mendoza, son of President Ramón Mendoza, who was part of Mr. Calderón's board and resigned after three months due to disagreements with the former president, is also on our team.”

Riquelme also defended criticism of the current board as a democratic right for club members.

“It is false that questioning the current president's decisions is 'attacking Real Madrid': it is a democratic and statutory exercise that strengthens the institution and gives back the voice to the members, the true owners of the club.”

The statement additionally referenced the Negreira case and mentioned businessman Anas Laghrari.

“It is unacceptable that the members' doubts about the club's business dealings and the relationships of certain members of the presidential entourage, such as Mr. Anas Laghrari, are silenced or ridiculed. His influence in strategic operations and dubious financial dealings, linked to Real Madrid and the levers of power at Barcelona, deserves complete transparency and clear explanations to the members.”

Riquelme concluded by once again calling for a public debate with Florentino Pérez ahead of the elections.

“Therefore, we formally invite Mr. Pérez once again to a public, open, and televised debate, in which both candidates can answer questions and transparently exchange ideas about the club's model, its projects, and the shadows surrounding the actions of some members of his team and their influence in Real Madrid's business dealings.”

The statement ended with a promise to continue a respectful campaign focused on future ideas for the club and its members.

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