Enrique Riquelme has introduced a "Members' City" concept as part of his campaign to become president of Real Madrid.
The proposal represents a direct challenge to the leadership of incumbent Florentino Pérez. By emphasizing a shift in governance, Riquelme seeks to attract members who feel the current administration has distanced itself from the club's traditional base.
Riquelme, a Spanish businessman, is positioning the "Members' City" as a way to modernize how the club is run. He said the initiative would give members a stronger voice in decision-making processes, offering a stark alternative to the current direction under Pérez.
This election marks a significant moment for the institution. It is the first presidential election the club has seen since 2006 [2]. The competition centers on whether the club should maintain its current trajectory or pivot toward a more inclusive governance model.
The presidential election is scheduled for June 7, 2024 [1]. Riquelme's platform focuses on transparency and member empowerment to ensure that the club's evolution remains aligned with the interests of those who hold membership.
As the date approaches, the contest highlights a tension between the corporate-style efficiency of the Pérez era and the democratic ideals proposed by Riquelme. The outcome will determine the strategic and administrative future of one of the world's most valuable sports organizations.
“Riquelme's platform focuses on transparency and member empowerment”
The contest between Riquelme and Pérez is a referendum on the 'socios' model of football club ownership. While Pérez has overseen massive commercial growth and stadium redevelopment, Riquelme's 'Members' City' proposal suggests that this growth may have come at the cost of member agency. A victory for Riquelme would signal a desire to return to a more democratic, member-led governance structure.
