Jose Maria del Nido has today stepped down as Sevilla President after 11-and-a-half years: “I leave with regret, with deep sadness.”
Del Nido last week saw the Supreme Court in Spain confirm a prison sentence of seven years must be served, on a December 2011 original sentence of seven-and-a-half years handed down for corruption and embezzlement relating to sending fake bills for legal services totalling €6.73m to Marbella city hall between 1999 and 2003.
Subsequently, the 56-year-old is having to resign his position at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, which he has held since May 2002. Making official his exit today, the departing President bid farewell at a Press conference.
“The day has come that I had least hoped for. I leave with regret, with deep sadness,” stated Del Nido to reporters.
“I have demonstrated through my 27 years of association with Sevilla that I have always been at the disposal of this club.
“When nobody wanted the presidency in 2002, I got the call. In my first speech I said that Sevilla would restore the feeling of pride in its colours.
“Now I step down, I will continue to watch Sevilla, who without the fans, it would have been impossible for us to reach the heights that we have.
“Thank you to the Sevilla fans and now I have one last request. That same loyalty, love, commitment and dedication, I ask that you show that to Sevilla and the new President.
“I considered and consider myself innocent of the crimes that I have been convicted of. I have been wrong many times, but all the decisions I have taken have been from the premise that was best at that time for Sevilla.
“If I knew what was going to happen would happen, then I would have resigned before now. I wish good luck and success to the Coach.
“I have submitted my resignation as President and from all executive positions at Sevilla and I am dedicating myself to continue to defend myself and my personal situation.”
A majority of the playing staff, Coach Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi were all present and led a standing ovation to the clearly emotional Del Nido at the end of his statement.
