La Liga side Málaga Dir General Vicente Casado "defended and explained everything going on with the club," according to Andrea Díaz of AS. First, "he did so before club members, and on Thursday, it was the media's turn." Many "economic facts and the word 'debt' were the ingredients of an appearance that lasted more than an hour." News was also announced regarding sponsors. Casado said, "UNESCO is no longer a sponsor of Málaga and we are in conversations with various sponsors. Specifically one wants to sponsor Málaga and is happy to be able to enter next year. This sponsor is not just interested today, it has been since six months ago." Season-ticket holders and the club's Ciudad Deportiva "were also key points." Of the club's debt and economic situation, Casado said, "We assumed a debt of €100 million and as of today the net debt is less than €15 million ($16.8M)." Regarding the club's debt to Linning, Casado said, "It was not done well. There is a debt of €1.9 million ($2.1M). We are trying to reach an agreement and reduce it, but it will have to be paid." Of Blue-Bay, he said, "It is a topic that is in the courts and I leave it in the hands of the lawyers of the sheikh. But I ask that it not do damage to Málaga. What I can say is that it had nothing to do with the decision not to sell the club." Addressing the club's owner, the Al-Thani family, he said, "We are not going to deny that it has been a difficult period with the possible sales. But various things have been left clear: Málaga is not going to be sold. If I am here today it is because the family trusts me. While they let me work, I am comfortable in the club. There are different cultures but what I ask for is respect. ... Today, the sons of the sheikh are very concerned with the club" (
AS, 6/25).
