Riquelme has challenged Perez in the election – the first time in 20 years Perez has not stood unopposed – following two seasons in which the club has won no major trophies.
The 37-year-old has run on a campaign of vast giveaways, including a promise to build a members’ city for fans of the club in the area surrounding the training base featuring swimming pools, padel courts and a basketball arena.
He has also suggested reducing the annual membership fee by up to 50% if the team does not win the Champions League next season.
Riquelme also opposes Perez’s decision to hire Jose Mourinho as the club’s manager. That appointment can only be formally confirmed if Perez wins the election.
The team behind Riquelme’s campaign has hinted that former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is their main target for the position.
“My coach is the one Real Madrid fans wants,” he said on Wednesday, without revealing a name.
When asked about Klopp in an interview with The Athletic last month, Riquelme said: “Naturally, I would love for profiles of that calibre, and others like them, to coach this club.”
The Perez campaign has sought to dismiss Riquelme’s strategy of immediately bringing in superstar names as unrealistic.
Rodri, 29, recently said he will resolve his future after the upcoming World Cup.
“When a player is approaching the final stage of his contract, it’s normal for names to be mentioned,” he added.
“I’m very calm, I know exactly where I stand, and I’ll tell you that perhaps if there hadn’t been a World Cup, things might be different now.”
