Spanish Futsal Club CD Burela Faces Financial Crisis After Major Sponsor Withdrawal
CD Burela, a unique Spanish futsal club fielding both men’s and women’s teams in their respective top divisions, is facing a severe financial crisis. Following the withdrawal of their primary sponsor of 23 years, Pescados Rubén. The fishing company, citing insolvency due to industry challenges, announced its departure on December 4, leaving the club with a €300,000 shortfall.
The club, which maintains a €1.2 million annual budget, must now find ways to cover approximately 30% of their operating costs for the remainder of the season. Club president Manuel Blanco and vice president José Luis Sáez have initiated emergency measures. Including seeking additional support from the Burela City Council and establishing a donation account for the club’s 600 members.
The immediate impact of this financial crisis has manifested in delayed salary payments to nearly 50 employees, including players, technical staff, and support personnel. The men’s team has already begun to see departures, with three players – Iván de Uña (‘Malaguti’), Guilherme Meira, and Jorge Quelle – leaving the squad. Other players, including Chilean Bernardo Araya and Brazilians Rikelme and Juninho, are monitoring the situation while considering offers from other clubs.
addressing the situation
Head coach David Rial addressed the situation following a recent 2-2 draw against Noia Portus Apostoli. In a passionate press conference, he emphasized the need for a shift in narrative, urging stakeholders to focus on the club’s potential rather than its challenges. Despite the financial difficulties, the men’s team has performed admirably this season, currently holding twelfth position with 14 points in their return to the First Division.
The women’s section, particularly affected by this crisis, stands as one of global futsal’s premier teams. Their impressive record includes six League titles, six Cup titles, and six Spanish Super Cups. Currently second in the league standings, the team features both Spanish and Brazilian international players. While regulations protect against mid-season transfers within Spain for players with more than eight appearances, the financial strain has forced the team to withdraw from the 2024 Futsal Women’s European Champions Puglia Edition.
The club’s management remains committed to preserving their dual-team structure, which has become a model for gender equality in professional sports. However, finding new sponsorship in a sport facing broader attendance challenges presents a significant hurdle for maintaining this pioneering approach to professional futsal.
The situation reflects broader challenges within Spanish futsal, where even established clubs operate within narrow financial margins. As CD Burela works to secure its future, their experience highlights the vulnerability of sports organizations heavily dependent on single corporate sponsors.