Real Madrid’s presidential election has quickly become one of the biggest talking points in European football.
The election arrives after two disappointing seasons without a major trophy for Los Blancos.
That frustration has increased pressure on current president Florentino Perez ahead of the vote scheduled for June 7.
Perez is facing opposition for the first time in two decades after renewable energy businessman Enrique Riquelme entered the race for the presidency.
Both campaigns have already exchanged several public attacks in recent weeks.
Perez recently announced that Jose Mourinho would become Real Madrid’s new manager if he wins the election, while Riquelme has openly opposed that appointment.
Instead, Riquelme’s campaign has hinted that former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp remains their preferred candidate for the role.
Meanwhile, Perez has promised to rebuild the squad after a difficult campaign under Alvaro Arbeloa.
Real Madrid are already expected to complete deals for Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries if Perez secures another term as president.
However, the biggest controversy of the election emerged on Wednesday after Riquelme publicly discussed plans involving two Manchester City stars.
During a television appearance, the presidential candidate unveiled a Real Madrid shirt with Erling Haaland’s name on it and made a huge claim about the striker’s future. Riquelme said (via The BBC):
“He has a release clause and would like to join Real Madrid. If I become president, he will play for Real Madrid.”
“He is a great player, in a position where Madrid need to strengthen. We have spoken to his agent.
“We have to respect his club, but if I’m president, he will play for Madrid. I will do everything possible.”
However, Manchester City reacted strongly to those comments.
According to the BBC, the Premier League champions are now considering legal action after Haaland’s image was used during the campaign.
A joint statement from Haaland’s father Alfe Inge and agent Rafaela Pimenta quickly denied the claims. The statement read:
“All very entertaining but not true. We wish all the best for both candidates in the Real Madrid elections.”
Meanwhile, Manchester City also released their own statement regarding the situation. The statement said:
“The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue.
“There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it. We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context.”
The controversy has now added even more drama to an already chaotic Real Madrid presidential election.
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