Recreativo clear arrears with the AFE and avoid the drop

Recreativo have managed to fend off automatic relegation and almost certain liquidation right at the last minute pending confirmation in the next few hours from the Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) that finances have been raised in order to pay players' wages. Huelva regional council were able to santise the club's debts with a short term loan of one million euros which means Recre avoid dropping to the Third Division, which in effect, would have resulted in the club being forced to dissolve. Yesterday, a first payment of 655.000 euros was made with funds raised from the Líberos del Decano campaign organized by the Recre Trust, the Supporters' groups Federations and the local council, who this morning deposited a payment to make up the difference.

Two other clubs have not complied with AFE regulations to guarantee that players and club employees will receive their salaries and drop down a division -  Huracán Valencia and Lucena missed today's midday deadline - the latter, already relegated to the Third Division last season will start the new campaign in the Regional league. Guadalajara, who had also failed to meet payments and looked like they too could descend a category, mistakenly sent their relevant documentation to the RFEF and not the AFE. The mix-up has finally been sorted and like Recre, they will remain in the Segunda División B next term.

The Huelva local council have played a key role in helping Recreativo win this first 'match-ball'. The priority was to make sure the club remained in the category. Now Recre, the oldest club in Spain, must obtain a bank guarantee which will allow the team to compete in the division while they sort out their other economic problems, including debts to the RFEF.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about Recreativo's situation and lending aid can also do so by contacting the Recreativo Supporters Trust: www.recretrust.com