Manchester City Threatens Legal Action Over Real Madrid Presidential Candidate's Haaland Claims
Manchester City Threatens Legal Action Over Real Madrid Presidential Candidate's Haaland Claims
Manchester City has threatened legal action against Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme following his public claims about signing striker Erling Haaland and the unauthorized use of the player's image in his campaign. The threat emerged after the 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur made a series of televised appearances promising to deliver both Haaland and Spain international Rodri to the Santiago Bernabéu if elected president.
Riquelme appeared on Spanish television station Antena 3 and the popular talk show El Hormiguero, where he held up a Real Madrid shirt bearing "Haaland 9" on the back. He claimed to have secured agreements with both Manchester City players and promised that if he failed to deliver either signing, he would personally cover the membership fees for all 100,000 Real Madrid members.
Manchester City told The Athletic there is "no chance" of Haaland moving to Real Madrid and confirmed they are considering legal action specifically over the unauthorized use of Haaland's image in a campaign context. The club stated categorically that no contractual clause exists to enable Haaland's transfer to Real Madrid.
The Contract Reality
Haaland's situation at Manchester City appears ironclad from a contractual standpoint. The Norwegian striker signed a nine-and-a-half-year extension in January 2025, binding him to the club until 2034. Having joined City in 2022, Haaland has established himself as one of Europe's premier forwards, winning the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2025/26 season after scoring 38 goals across all competitions.
Rodri presents a different contractual scenario. The 29-year-old Ballon d'Or winner has just one year remaining on his current deal, with his contract expiring next summer. This timing difference between the two players may explain why Riquelme has targeted both, though Manchester City's response suggests they view any approach as unwelcome.
Electoral Context and Unprecedented Competition
Riquelme's bold promises come during Real Madrid's first contested presidential election since 2006. The snap election was called by incumbent Florentino Pérez, who cited being "shocked by disproportionate criticism in the media" as his motivation for seeking a fresh mandate. The 79-year-old Pérez has overseen remarkable success during his tenure, securing six European Cups in ten years.
When asked specifically about Haaland during an interview with Josep Pedrerol on laSexta television, Pérez stated he had "no opinion on the matter." This measured response contrasts sharply with Riquelme's theatrical campaign approach.
The challenger has also sent a formal letter to Pérez requesting dialogue and asking for a delay to the presidential elections, though no response has been publicly disclosed.
Player and Agent Responses
Haaland's representatives have moved quickly to distance themselves from Riquelme's claims. Agent Rafaela Pimenta and the player's father Alfie issued a joint statement to ESPN "laughing off suggestions" that Haaland could move to Real Madrid if Riquelme wins the election.
Riquelme claimed Haaland possesses a release clause and "wants to move to Real Madrid," assertions that Manchester City has flatly denied. While Haaland has previously expressed admiration for Real Madrid and stated he would "like to play" for the club "one day," his recent contract extension suggests any such move remains distant speculation rather than imminent reality.
Legal and Commercial Implications
Manchester City's threat of legal action centers on image rights rather than contract interference. The unauthorized use of player likenesses in political campaigns raises questions about intellectual property protections and the boundaries between sports marketing and electoral politics.
This situation echoes patterns we have seen before in Spanish football, where presidential campaigns have historically featured ambitious transfer promises designed to galvanize support. However, the direct appropriation of a contracted player's image for campaign materials represents a more aggressive approach that has triggered the current legal standoff.
The timing proves particularly sensitive given Manchester City's recent celebration of their FA Cup and Carabao Cup victories with a parade through Manchester on May 25, 2026. The club's domestic success reinforces their position that star players have little incentive to seek immediate moves.
Broader Electoral Dynamics
Real Madrid's Electoral Board issued an official statement about postal voting on June 2, indicating the institutional machinery is moving forward despite the controversy. The club simultaneously announced information about new jerseys for the 2026-27 season, maintaining business as usual amid the electoral drama.
For Real Madrid members, this election presents a choice between continuity under Pérez's proven leadership and the disruptive promises of a challenger whose renewable energy background lies far from football administration. Riquelme's willingness to stake his personal finances on transfer promises suggests either extraordinary confidence or a calculated gamble to differentiate himself from the incumbent.
The 15-times European champions face a unique moment where electoral politics intersect with transfer market realities. While Riquelme's promises capture attention, the contractual and legal obstacles suggest his commitments exceed realistic possibilities.
Manchester City's firm response signals that major clubs will not tolerate the unauthorized commercial use of their assets, even in the context of democratic elections at rival institutions. The threatened legal action may serve as a deterrent for future campaign strategies that cross similar boundaries.
As Real Madrid moves toward its election, the Haaland controversy illustrates how modern football's commercial complexities extend far beyond the pitch into boardrooms, courtrooms, and campaign stages.
