By Doug Reed @DougReedFutsalToday has been a very sad day in the world of futsal. One of the historic teams of Spanish futsal will no longer compete due to the inability to find a sponsor for the forthcoming season. The lack of financial funds will mean the team will be dissolved with immediate effect.
The search for a sponsor had been going on for many months and their possible retirement had been known for a while. Their previous sponsor, the Spanish bank Bankia, had come into difficulties during the European banking crisis and decided to no longer support the team. This left them searching for a replacement but, unfortunately, they could not find one and the time came for them to declare whether they would participate in the Spanish 1st Division or not.
The club has rich history and has played in the top division during their entire history, only El Pozo Murcia and Inter Movistar share this record. It was formed 32 years ago and was one of the founders of the LNFS. They have claimed several titles including the 2000 Intercontinental Cup won in Russia against Eremenkos Dina Moscow, the 2000 European Club Cup, the 1998/1999 League Championship, three Copas de Espaņa and three Supercopas de Espaņa.
Many famous players have worn the Caja colours including Daniel Ibaņes, Luis Amado, Andreu, Javier Orol, Alberto Riquer and more recently Esquerdinha, Sergio Lozano, Mati and Lin. Further, coaches such as Venancio Lopez, Miguel Rodrigo and Jesus Velasco have held the position of head coach at the club.
Despite being one of Spains most famous clubs they were not at the top in terms of financial resources. Every year their star players were taken by the more financially powerful clubs and every year they rebuilt with youth and turned them into stars. Further they always played with a certain identity and style.
This year had been no exception. They thrilled fans with their exciting, dynamic and youthful brand of futsal. Players such as Antoņito, David Burrito, Murga, Jesus Herrero, Fabio and Pablo del Moral have demonstrated what exceptional talents they are. The last three have been nominated for the LNFS end of season awards. The team finished 4th in league, behind the big 3, and took FC Barcelona Alusport to the final game in the Playoff Semi-Finals.
With their fate already forseen, the departures had started. Antoņito has signed for Burela who will have a promising squad next season. The coach, David Madrid, who did exceptionally well in his 1st season leading a team, has signed for Gyor in Hungary. He has also been nominated in the LNFS awards, up against Duda of El Pozo and Marc Carmona of Barcelona for Best Coach. There will now be a scramble between the top clubs to secure the signatures of their other players.
One positive note is that their successful youth setup will continue. They have produced players such as Barcelonaīs Lin and, last seasons captain, David Burrito. However, that a club of such magnitude and with such a history in one of the worldīs best leagues is unable to find a sponsor will cause the futsal world to reflect. Clearly something is fundamentally wrong and if situations such as this are not to be repeated then the sport clearly must evolve.
