Juanjo Bataller: The pandemic has devastated us socially and athletically

Fertiberia BM Puerto Sagunto held its Ordinary General Meeting of Members this Wednesday, 2 December, attended by more than 40 members. The meeting began with the reading and approval of the previous minutes, approval of the financial matters and authorisation for the board and the club president to sign banking documents, as well as approval of changes to the board and the accounts. The presidium consisted of president Juanjo Bataller, accompanied by Rafa Manzano, the club treasurer, and Javier López Espes, the club secretary.

Regarding the accounts for last season and the current one, Rafa Manzano stated that maintaining sponsorship income and grants, together with the cessation of activity due to COVID, enabled Fertiberia to close the 2019–20 season with a surplus of around €57,000. In response, the president stated: ‘Basically, the positive result from last season was due to the temporary employment regulation scheme. This affected the players’ wages because SEPE paid part of them, in addition to saving on social security contributions. But this season we have suffered other consequences of COVID-19 economically, with a loss of members and a reduction in membership fees, down by €40,000, as 20% of members did not renew. There was also a €10,000 reduction in fees for the academy players; players who did not finish the season received compensation; COVID tests (€10,000); less television rights income, among other things. In total, there will be a loss of €100,000 in income this season. The pandemic has devastated us socially and athletically.’

Manzano added that the club had prepared a budget for the 2020/2021 season with income and expenditure of €561,000 (the total budget for the entire club). In response, the red-and-white president stated that ‘This year the income and expenditure budget is balanced because we do not have a clear idea of how the season will develop.’ To conclude, Bataller stated that once again the club had received essential support from Fertiberia, Sagunto Town Council, the Generalitat and the Provincial Council, joined by significant assistance from the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation for all elite handball in Valencia. Regarding this new support from the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation through ‘Comunitat de l’Esport’, Bataller said, ‘Without them, we would have had a difficult year.’

On the social side, Bataller explained the difficulties that almost all the teams are experiencing. ‘There is not a week when, as a precaution, we do not stop a team. The medical team is carrying out very important work.’

Bataller expressed his gratitude to Fertiberia, from whom he hopes to receive a prompt response regarding sponsorship renewal for next season. He also highlighted the increase in the Provincial Council’s grant and thanked the mayor, Dario Moreno, for his efforts. The red-and-white supporters also received considerable thanks: ‘Only one member has reminded us to refund their membership fee for not watching the matches. Our members’ conduct has been exemplary. Eighty per cent of season tickets have been collected, and more than 100 new members have joined. I feel proud to chair a club with such exemplary supporters.’

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.