The PSOE of Arrecife has accused Mayor Yonathan de León of deciding to spend nearly €30,000 of public money on a gala dinner to close the San Ginés Football Tournament, an event that already cost more than €170,000 and was marked by lacklustre attendance.

Desperation in Organisation

Socialists recall that this tournament was hastily organised after the Municipal Socialist Group denounced the cancellation of the initial Option A, scheduled for 7th, 8th, and 9th August, which included teams such as UD Lanzarote, US Yaiza, Rayo Vallecano B, Girona B, and the women’s teams of Real Sociedad and CD Tenerife. “Everything fell apart due to the poor management of Yonathan de León and his trusted aide, Eli Merino,” they lamented.

Concerns Over Expenditure and Respect for Local Clubs

“The serious issue is not just the disproportionate expenditure, but the lack of respect towards the local sports clubs, which still have not received the subsidies from last season, nor do they know when this year’s call for applications will be issued,” stated Socialist councillor Roy González. “While hundreds of families await a response, Councillor Merino is busy asking if dinner guests prefer vegetables with meat or fish. This is a mockery and an insult to those who support grassroots sports in our city with immense effort,” he added.

Calls for Accountability

The PSOE of Arrecife condemns that while an elite banquet is being organised for a select few, sports clubs have yet to see a single euro of the promised aid. “Once again, sport and citizens are relegated to the background, sacrificed on the altar of waste and political posturing,” they stated.

A Call for Honouring the Tournament’s Legacy

“We are talking about a tournament with history, recognised regionally and nationally, which should honour the efforts of players, coaches, and fans. But this municipal government has turned it into yet another excuse for frivolous expenditure and self-promotion,” Roy González asserted.

Demand for Better Governance

The socialist councillor was firm: “Arrecife does not need gala dinners. It needs management, responsibility, planning, and respect. What is happening is shameful.”

According to the PSOE of Arrecife, the governance model being consolidated by Yonathan de León and Eli Merino is based on improvisation, clientelism, and waste. “The culture of extravagance has become the hallmark of this governing group. And as always, the bill is footed by all the residents of Arrecife,” they concluded.