Manchester City Threatens Legal Action as Real Madrid Presidential Candidate Uses Haaland for Political Gain

Manchester City have threatened legal action against Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme after he falsely claimed he would sign Erling Haaland if elected and posed with an unauthorised 'Haaland 9' Madrid shirt during a television appearance.

The Premier League champions issued a strongly-worded statement dismissing Riquelme's claims as "untrue" and confirming they are "considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context". The Norwegian striker signed a contract extension until 2034 earlier this year.

When Campaign Promises Cross Legal Lines

Riquelme's stunt represents a new low in football's political theatre. The challenger to Florentino Pérez went beyond typical campaign rhetoric by physically brandishing a Madrid shirt with Haaland's name during a TV segment.

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.

City's statement, shared by The Athletic's Sam Lee, leaves no room for interpretation. The club has explicitly denied any release clause exists that would facilitate such a transfer.

The Dangerous Precedent of Player Exploitation

Riquelme doubled down on his claims with a financial guarantee, telling Spanish media he would pay 100 per cent of membership costs for next season if he failed to deliver on his transfer promises. This pledge included both Haaland and another unnamed player.

If I break my promises regarding either of these players, I've signed a guarantee where I'd pay 100 per cent of membership costs for next season. Haaland has a release clause, and he wants to come to Madrid.

Both Haaland's father and agent have categorically denied these assertions. The use of player imagery without permission crosses from political posturing into potential legal infringement.

Why City's Response Signals a New Era of Player Protection

Manchester City's immediate and forceful response marks a shift in how clubs protect their most valuable assets from political exploitation. The threat of legal action sends a clear message to presidential candidates across Europe.

Setting Boundaries in Transfer Speculation

The club's stance establishes important precedents:

• Unauthorised use of player imagery for political campaigns will face legal consequences
• False transfer claims involving contracted players won't be tolerated
• Clubs will actively defend their players from being used as electoral pawns

This response differs markedly from the traditional approach where clubs would simply issue denials through friendly media. City's legal threat elevates the stakes considerably.

The Value of Image Rights

Modern football contracts include extensive image rights clauses. Haaland's commercial value extends far beyond his goalscoring ability. His image rights alone are worth millions annually to both player and club.

By using Haaland's name and number on a Madrid shirt without permission, Riquelme potentially violated these carefully negotiated agreements. City's response protects not just the player but the commercial ecosystem surrounding elite footballers.

The Real Cost of Empty Transfer Promises

Presidential candidates making bold transfer promises is nothing new in Spanish football. What makes Riquelme's gambit different is the specific nature of his claims and the visual stunt that accompanied them.

When Politics Meets Reality

Riquelme faces multiple problems with his Haaland promise:

• The player is under contract until 2034
• No release clause exists as claimed
• Both player representatives have denied any interest
• Manchester City have threatened legal action

His campaign now risks being overshadowed by potential legal proceedings rather than focusing on legitimate challenges to Pérez's leadership.

The Credibility Gap

Empty transfer promises damage more than just individual campaigns. They erode trust between presidential candidates and club members. When candidates make demonstrably false claims about marquee signings, it undermines the democratic process within football clubs.

Riquelme's financial guarantee might seem impressive, but it pales compared to the reputational damage of being caught in such a blatant falsehood. His promise to pay membership fees becomes meaningless when the foundational claim has been so thoroughly debunked.

What Happens Next

Riquelme must now decide whether to retract his claims or face potential legal action from one of world football's wealthiest clubs. His response will likely determine whether this remains a campaign embarrassment or escalates into a costly legal battle.

For Real Madrid members, this episode provides an early indication of Riquelme's judgment and credibility. Using false transfer promises and unauthorised player imagery suggests a campaign more focused on headlines than substance. Meanwhile, Manchester City's robust defence of their player sends a clear warning to future political candidates: the era of consequence-free transfer speculation is over.