The future of Real Zaragoza is in jeopardy after the Treasury called for the payment of a €25m debt on a timetable that threatens the club’s existence.
AS reports €18.5m of historic debt has been cited by the authorities with the rest of the sum coming from late payment fees and interest.
If Zaragoza default on payment an embargo will be placed on their income, which will prevent the club meeting it’s expenses – including the wages of players and other staff – and they will then be on the brink of liquidation.
The new Zaragoza board had expected a payment plan to cover a period of a number of years under a payment plan that has been granted to a number of clubs in similar situations.
“The future of Real Zaragoza is in serious danger,” President Christian Lapetra is quoted as saying.
“The funds of the club and the shareholders are exhausted. We have requested a meeting with the highest levels of the Ministry of Finance. We demand the same treatment as others.”
It was explained by a Zaragoza director that the club has repaid part of the debt but the authorities haven’t lifted the current embargo in return.
Zaragoza also have €4m in television rights and training fees for Ander Herrera’s move from Athletic Bilbao to Manchester United waiting to enter the coffers.
“We have no liquidity. The Treasury doesn’t want to lift the embargo on debt already paid and we can’t afford to pay because we’re no longer being paid,” club director Rodrigo explained.
“We’ve been unable to pay a bill since July 25. There’s no objective reason for this. If Zaragoza disappears, the Treasury will never be paid.”
