Take a look at the League table and at first glance you would think Elche’s position was assured. With four games to go Los Franjiverdes are in 13th, eight points above the relegation zone. Their recent form is good – winning three of their last four games.
But scratch between the surface and all is far from well. Players and first team personnel haven't been paid for at least two months, causing them to take drastic action. Last month they announced a boycott of Press conferences and public events related to the club, apart from League matches. Under the nine-year stewardship of club President Jose Sepulcre the Alicante-based outfit has owed transfer fees to clubs, as well as unpaid wages to former players let alone the current squad.
Of even pressing worry is the need to pay off a €5m unpaid tax bill that's overdue. Failure to do so means the League body, the LFP, could enforce administrative relegation on Elche to the Segunda Division. The LFP could undertake further action on the club’s non-payment of wages for former and present players – not to mention owed transfer fees.
To the relief of fans Sepulcre resigned earlier this week after a meeting of the board. His successor Juan Anguix is now faced with mounting concerns off the pitch. Paying the players’ wages is primary, as they are performing wonderfully. The fact Elche are 13th is testament to Coach Fran Escriba and his players’ determination to give hope to the fans during this trying period. Beating Deportivo La Coruna 4-0 on Wednesday was important in boosting their confidence.
But Elche’s perils serve as a stark warning to those clubs in the League. Several clubs in the top flight are in debt wilfully spending beyond their means without concern.
Clubs seemed to have ignored what happens when clubs face financial problems. The case of Segunda club Racing Santander in January 2014 is a stark reminder to those who promote mismanagement and end up saddled with debt. Such was the exasperation at not being paid for several months the players decided to boycott their Copa Del Rey second leg quarter-final tie against Real Sociedad in front of their own fans. Their fans applauding the players’ action as the game was abandoned was telling.
If a team from Spain’s top two divisions end up ceasing to exist, as a result of mounting debts in the next five years, it sadly would not be surprising. Sooner or later club Presidents must learn financial prudence is rewarded far more than financial recklessness, or face the consequences like Jose Sepulcre.
