Riquelme Unveils Membership-Centric Platform for Real Madrid Presidency

Enrique Riquelme, a businessman and candidate for the Real Madrid presidency, has formally presented his election platform, which prioritises fan welfare, infrastructure modernisation, and the preservation of the club’s 100% member-owned structure. The proposal aims to address longstanding criticisms regarding transparency in ticket sales and member services, positioning the candidate as a reformer focused on institutional stability rather than short-term performance metrics.

The cornerstone of Riquelme’s policy is the development of a 'Member City' (Ciudad del Socio) in Valdebebas. This proposed complex would feature a social club, expanded sports facilities, and a new 15,000-seat basketball arena. Alongside this major development, the platform includes plans to expand the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium to accommodate 20,000 spectators. This expansion is designed to directly benefit the youth academy and Real Madrid Women, with the latter potentially utilising the Santiago Bernabéu for select fixtures.

On the financial front, Riquelme has pledged to reduce membership fees by 50% until the club secures another Champions League title. This conditional cut is intended to alleviate the financial burden on the membership base while aligning cost reductions with on-pitch success. The candidate also outlined specific reforms for season ticket allocation, including a notary-supervised draw for 10,000 new tickets and the establishment of a fully public, transparent waiting list to replace current opaque systems.

To strengthen member support, the platform proposes the creation of an independent 'Member Ombudsman' to act as a liaison between the club and its supporters. Additional measures include grouping family season tickets together, improving support for long-standing members, and launching an in-house travel agency with reduced prices for away sections. These initiatives are framed as structural adjustments to enhance the member experience and ensure equitable access to club benefits.

Riquelme’s platform also incorporates digital and historical initiatives, such as the launch of a transparency portal and the restoration of the historic Santiago Bernabéu Trophy. A Legends Centre is planned for the club museum, aiming to connect the institution’s heritage with modern governance demands. While the platform outlines ambitious goals, specific timelines for construction and detailed financial projections for the fee reductions remain unquantified in the current proposal.