The Socialist Group in the Arrecife City Council has denounced "the critical situation" that the municipality's sports clubs are going through due to the non-payment of subsidies corresponding to last season, just days before the end of the year. "This lack of commitment and responsibility on the part of the municipal government, led by Yonathan de León, is pushing many entities to the limit, with some even considering closing down," they say from the formation.
“Sports clubs are on the verge of collapse, without receiving the aid that guarantees their operation and their essential work in the community. Meanwhile, the local government continues to not provide answers and demonstrates a worrying lack of priorities,” criticized Roy González, councilor of the Socialist Group and head of the Sports area in the previous legislature.
The PSOE of Arrecife has pointed out the "flagrant contradiction between the situation of the clubs and the waste of resources of the City Council. In the last few weeks alone, the municipal government has allocated more than 2.5 million euros to Christmas celebrations, an excessive expense that contrasts with the absolute paralysis when it comes to complying with sports subsidies."
"To this irresponsibility are added the numerous trips made by the mayor Yonathan de León and the Councilor for Sports, Eli Merino, to fairs and events in cities such as London, Seville, Tenerife, Maspalomas and Granada, with all expenses paid with public money," criticizes the socialist mayor. “It is outrageous that while there are no funds for sports clubs, there are funds for trips and parties. Sport in Arrecife is being relegated to the background by a government more concerned with spectacle than with the well-being of its citizens,” González denounced.
The PSOE warns that the delay in the payment of aid "not only reflects inefficient management, but also a lack of respect for sport and the values that it promotes in society." "Sports clubs are not only spaces for competition, but fundamental pillars in the formation, integration and development of the youth of the municipality. However, the City Council seems to ignore its importance," he adds.
The socialists demand that the municipal government take urgent measures to unblock the funds and guarantee the payment of the subsidies owed. “The patience of the clubs has run out. Sports can't wait any longer while Yonathan de León's government squanders resources on parties and trips,” concluded Roy González.
Finally, Gonzalez states that "time is running out and the clubs cannot endure this situation any longer. The residents of Arrecife demand immediate answers and a real commitment to local sport."