Man City Threaten Legal Action Over Haaland Real Madrid Shirt

Published: 04 June 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The landscape of European football has been shaken by an extraordinary legal and political dispute. Manchester City are actively considering taking formal legal action against a prominent Spanish businessman. Enrique Riquelme has sparked immense fury within the hierarchy of the Premier League champions. The controversy ignited following a dramatic television appearance by the Real Madrid presidential candidate.

Riquelme chose to boldly display a Real Madrid shirt during his broadcast interview. This specific white jersey featured the name of Manchester City star striker Erling Haaland. The provocative gesture was designed to capture the attention of Spanish football club voters. Riquelme is currently campaigning to become the next president of the historic club. The presidential elections are scheduled to take place this coming Sunday across Madrid.

The ambitious challenger is running directly against the long-serving incumbent president Florentino Pérez. Riquelme used his media platform to make several sensational claims about the Norwegian. He insisted that a specific contractual loophole exists within the striker’s current agreement. This supposed clause would theoretically allow the Spanish giants to sign the prolific forward.

According to the businessman, the transfer could be triggered if he wins the election. He firmly stated that the Norwegian forward possesses a strong desire to join Madrid. These claims were made during a high-profile appearance on the popular show El Hormiguero. The broadcast quickly gathered massive traction across various social media networks on Wednesday evening.

The statements have caused significant friction between two of Europe’s most powerful football institutions. Manchester City secured the superstar striker on a historic nine-and-a-half-year contract in January 2025. The long-term deal was intended to protect his immense value for the English side. Club officials have reacted with absolute fury to the latest claims coming from Spain.

The Premier League champions issued a remarkably stern and definitive statement on Thursday afternoon. City bosses categorically denied all the rumours regarding the future of their star forward. They stated clearly that there is absolutely no truth to these transfer stories. The hierarchy insisted there is zero chance of this high-profile transfer taking place.

Furthermore, the English club vehemently denied the existence of any such release clause. They confirmed they are looking into legal options regarding the unapproved shirt display. The club objects strongly to the unauthorised use of their player’s valuable image. This robust response highlights the determination of Manchester City to protect their asset base.

The player’s representation has also moved quickly to dismiss the Spanish politician’s rhetoric. The striker’s father, Alfie Haaland, released a joint statement with agent Rafaela Pimenta. The duo described the unfolding political drama in Spain as being very entertaining. However, they concluded their short press release by stating the rumours are completely false.

They politely offered their best wishes to both candidates running in the election. Despite the polite conclusion, their intervention serves as a major blow to Riquelme. The candidate has staked his entire political campaign on delivering these marquee signings. The strategy mirrors the famous Galáctico transfer campaigns used successfully by his rival.

Pérez famously won past elections by promising to deliver superstars like Luís Figo. Riquelme is attempting to replicate that exact blueprint to secure the presidency himself. The controversy did not stop with the assertion of signing the young Norwegian striker. Riquelme also promised to bring another vital Manchester City player to the Bernabéu.

He claimed that Spanish midfielder Rodri would also join the fifteen-times European champions. The businessman showered praise on the midfielder during his extensive television interview on Wednesday. He described the Manchester City midfielder as a truly elite, world-class football talent. Riquelme noted that Rodri is a deserving winner of the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

He identified the defensive midfield position as an area where Madrid desperately need strengthening. The candidate promised that Rodri would play for Madrid if the votes succeed. He added a brief note of respect to Manchester City during his pitch. The businessman freely acknowledged his lack of experience compared to his presidential rival.

He admitted that he does not possess the long track record of Pérez. Riquelme pointed out that he has never served as a football club president. To counter this, he has offered an extraordinary financial guarantee to the club. The candidate has backed his twin transfer promises with a personal notarised guarantee.

He has promised to cover the annual dues of every single Madrid member. This financial penalty would apply if he wins power but fails to deliver. There are currently about one hundred thousand official members registered with the club. This represents an enormous personal financial risk for the young Spanish business tycoon.

The aggressive transfer talk comes at a delicate time for the English champions. The recent departure of legendary manager Pep Guardiola has created an atmosphere of transition. Guardiola left the club after enjoying a supremely successful decade in the Premier League. This major managerial change may cause several senior players to consider their options.

The transition period naturally fuels intense media speculation across the entire European continent. Rodri himself has recently spoken out about his long-term future in England. The twenty-nine-year-old midfielder addressed the media regarding his situation earlier this week. He stated that he remains very calm about his current professional position.

The Spaniard insisted he knows exactly where he stands with the football club. However, he did offer an intriguing hint about the impact of the schedule. He suggested things might be different if a major international tournament lacked presence. The midfielder’s current contract with the Premier League champions expires next summer season.

This contract situation leaves the club vulnerable to losing him for no fee. While managing these contract situations, City are also active in the market. The Manchester club are looking to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. They have already seen an initial transfer bid rejected for a top target.

Nottingham Forest turned down an opening offer for talented midfielder Elliot Anderson. City’s newly appointed sporting director Hugo Viana is handling these difficult negotiations. Viana is widely expected to return to the table with an increased offer. The club wants to secure the rising English talent as quickly as possible.

However, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has set an incredibly high valuation. The Greek businessman believes the twenty-three-year-old midfielder is worth around one hundred million pounds. This massive figure matches the club-record fee City previously paid for Jack Grealish. That historic transfer was completed with Aston Villa back in August of 2021.

Anderson has enjoyed a remarkable rise to prominence over the past twelve months. His excellent domestic form has earned him a prominent place in the national team. The young midfielder is currently in line to start for England very soon. The national side faces Croatia in their opening World Cup game this month.

That highly anticipated international fixture will take place on Wednesday the seventeenth of June. A strong performance on the world stage will surely inflate his transfer value. This impending tournament adds significant time pressure to Manchester City’s current transfer pursuit. The club wants to wrap up the deal before the tournament begins.

The ongoing saga highlights the intense financial pressures operating at the highest level. Manchester City face battles both in courtrooms and on the transfer market fields. The outcome of Sunday’s election in Madrid could determine their next legal steps. European football fans will be watching the results of the ballot very closely.

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