We are experiencing an exceptionally powerful moment. The COVID-19 pandemic has proved that, as society, we are very vulnerable and it has obliged us to change our habits and adjust our way of life.
Real Sociedad de Fútbol wants to devote a great deal of affection and support to those who are suffering the consequences of the pandemic. We would like to send our condolences to the families who have lost loved ones due to the COVID-19. Additionally, we would like to thank all the professionals (health workers and workers on essential tasks) for the outstanding work done by themselves on fighting the pandemic. They make our lives easier. The club and the society are indebted to them.
We are going through an unprecedented situation and no one is immune to the effects of the virus. This pandemic has shown that we are more vulnerable than believed and has left us in a state of uncertainty which also involves football.
The indefinite suspension of both La Liga and the Copa del Rey final affects the sporting and economic activity of the club. The health authorities carry enormous responsibility for ensuring the health of the people and that is the top priority, there is no other option. Thus, the competition will return whenever permitted by the Spanish medical authorities. The health of our fans and players, men and women, is the most important thing right now.
If all goes well and the COVID-19 is declared under control, there is still time to finish the competition, both La Liga and the Copa. In this regard, it should be noted that Real Sociedad is working with determination in order to end the the competition. We would like to thank UEFA for the facilities provided to complete all the competitions.
Our overwhelming desire is to see the txuri urdin fans continue to experience great moments with the team at the Reale Arena. The feeling of being close to achieve something beautiful and desired has generated a connection between fans and team which we want to restore as soon as possible. Our dream is to play the rest of the games remaining and the Copa final with all our txuri urdin fans. However, as I pointed out previously, it is not up to us to determine whether the competition will remain paralysed.
The indefinite suspension of the competition concerns the economic situation of the club. Also, our near future is uncertain and we can assure that we are faced with a very, very difficult situation. Unexpected and unknown. There are no certainties but there is determination and strength.
Real Sociedad has 111 years of history. We have experienced beautiful and glorious moments but also difficult times. This challenging moment affects us all. We overcame adversity and it was thanks to people. We are convinced that if we think of them, Real Sociedad will overcome this situation.
In the past month, we have been considering the measures needed in order to address this difficult challenge. The Board of Directors have shared this reflection with the players and other committees of the club. Now, it is time to share these measures with all the txuri urdin family.
All the measures and decisions adopted shall be valid until the end of the season. Therefore, we have developed new hypotheses and analysis on what will occur in the next three months. Real Sociedad has taken a number of decisions:
1.- The staff at the club will not be be submitted for ERTE (temporary redundancy). That is to say, refrain from taking any measures that would affect our staff during this season.
2.- The players of the first team have agreed to voluntarily reduce their remuneration for this year by 20% if the competition is finally suspended. If the competition returns, the remuneration will be reduced by 5%.
This decision, taken by players and the Board of Directors, avoids traumatic measures that affect the rest of the workers, as well as contributing to the economic objectives of the entity in view of the decrease in income that it is suffering these months as a result of the suspension of competitions. The club wishes to express its gratitude to all our players for their implication in such an exceptional situation that has been caused by this health crisis.
3.- Adopt economic measures in support of our followers. Real Sociedad will return 20% of the total amount of the fee. We still don’t know if the competition will be played or not. If La liga returns, we are unaware whether or not the games will be played behind closed doors. In all events, all these measures will be applied even in the event the competition is played open doors.
Those subject to the payment of annual membership fees will get a 20% refund. We will soon issue a statement in which further details will be explained.
We believe that this situation creates considerable concern and people are the focus of our decisions.
4.- Cessation of works. Works at the Reale Arena and Zubieta have been temporarily paralyzed. When the situation allows, we will make an investment plan in order to resume the construction works.
5.- Analyze and adopt decisions in order to seek new sources of funding that safeguard the sporting and structural competitiveness of Real Sociedad.
Finally, Real Sociedad want to give both the society of Gipuzkoa and our fans a clear message of encouragement. 11 remaining games to qualify for the Europa League and one final to win the Copa title. May our dream come true! However, the most important match is being played now. All together, we will win it!
Eskerrik asko. Thank you.
Jokin Aperribay
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Real Sociedad de Fútbol SAD