The presidential hopeful from the ruling party addressed reporters after news broke that the elections would be halted.
Following a complaint filed by Andrés Ibarra, Judge Alejandra Abrevaya ordered the Boca Juniors elections to be paused. The decision, which postponed a December 3 vote, came just days before the scheduled event. In light of these developments, Juan Román Riquelme stepped in before the media to share his perspective and rally the club’s supporters.
Elections in Boca 2023: when they will take place, where they will be held, voting requirements and candidates
THE STATEMENTS OF JUAN ROMÁN RIQUELME LIVE
Riquelme expressed cautious optimism, saying he hoped the judiciary would finalize the paperwork promptly so fans could hear on Sunday that the club would celebrate its upcoming gathering. He stressed that preparations were complete and that the club would move forward with a sense of purpose.
He underscored the importance of giving everything for the fans, noting that freedom of action should be guided by the club’s ownership by its supporters. He questioned the possibility of authoritative orders overriding the voice of the club’s community and urged that Boca fans be allowed to enjoy the promised events without undue interference.
Riquelme raised questions about the reported growth in membership numbers, pointing out the substantial increase to 51,473 members within eight years and asking the public if that rise seemed ordinary or suspicious.
He argued that a club presidency should be accountable to its members—the people who own the club. He criticized those seeking to minimize the member vote and called the situation unusual and unacceptable for a fan-centric institution.
The candidate contended that these elections represented a clear moment in Boca’s history, asserting that certain individuals were attempting to privatize the club and erase the democratic process. He insisted that Boca Juniors belongs to its supporters and should remain under fan governance rather than private control.
Riquelme warned that three unnamed figures aimed to seize control for their own interests, speculating that the club could become the first fully privatized major team in the nation if such a course were allowed to continue.
Addressing the outcome of the vote, he expressed a strong desire for fair participation on the scheduled Sunday ballot and criticized any attempts to shift voting to later days. He asserted that the supporters’ club should prevail, acknowledging that some party members might face pressure or manipulation, which he described as an affront to the club’s core values.
Reflecting on past decades, Riquelme noted that since the year 2000 there had been numerous controversial episodes. He stated that nothing would deter him from continuing to fight for the fans’ happiness, highlighting the emotional stakes involved and the personal resolve required to sustain the club’s mission.
Source text is attributed to Goal but has been integrated to reflect the official stance and public statements made during the press conference.