The hidden election twist threatening Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho’s expected return to Real Madrid has been thrown into uncertainty after Enrique Riquelme formally notified the Electoral Board of his intention to run for the club presidency, a move that reportedly caught the Portuguese coach by surprise. Mourinho had expected to be unveiled in his new role early next week, but the emergence of a potential election process now makes a delay of at least two weeks the most likely outcome.

Those 15 days would be needed to hold elections if Riquelme officially enters the race. In the best-case scenario for Mourinho, Florentino Pérez would win and the deal could proceed as planned. In the worst, Riquelme could pull off an upset victory, forcing the Portuguese manager to look elsewhere.

Even so, Real Madrid’s club statutes specify that the current board, headed by Florentino Pérez, remains in power until elections are held, should they become necessary. That means the current administration is fully authorized to carry out any operation, including signing a coach or completing player transfers. Still, it appears unlikely the club would move forward with such a major decision before the vote, since a change in presidency could completely alter the sporting project.

If two candidacies are formally registered before the Saturday, May 23 deadline, the Electoral Board must schedule elections within the following 10 days. That means voting would need to take place no later than Monday, June 8, making Sunday, June 7 the most likely election date.

Asked about the situation, Benfica sources merely pointed out that by June 7 the clause allowing Mourinho to leave for $7.6 million will already have expired. Real Madrid would therefore be forced to negotiate directly with the Portuguese club, led by Rui Costa. Relations between the two sides were already strained last summer during negotiations over Álvaro Carreras, whose transfer could not be completed until after the Club World Cup despite Madrid wanting him earlier.

During a meeting with Rui Costa at Benfica’s Seixal training complex a few days ago, Mourinho reportedly informed the club he was rejecting a contract extension offer that included two additional years and a salary increase. However, he still has one year remaining on his current deal with The Eagles. Sources familiar with the situation told this newspaper that if the Madrid move unexpectedly collapses, it would be extremely difficult for Mourinho to remain at Benfica, which has already chosen Marco Silva as his replacement.

Aside from the election uncertainty, everything between Mourinho and Real Madrid is said to be fully agreed for his return to the club. The Portuguese coach is expected to sign a two-year contract with the option of a third season that would automatically activate if he wins La Liga. He is also set to bring most of his coaching staff with him.

Everything is reportedly finalized — except for the signatures. And now, the elections have complicated the entire process, even if the timing suggests it remains an obstacle that can still be overcome.

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