The Arrecife Town Council has responded to recent statements made by the Insular Federation of Vela Latina Sailboats, which announced the suspension of races due to an alleged lack of municipal financial support. The Sports Department, led by Eli Merino, has firmly refuted this accusation, clarifying that the issue lies with the justification of a nominated grant of €25,000 awarded in 2023.
A report issued by the Municipal Intervention in October 2024 details that the Federation submitted invoices with identities different from those of the beneficiaries of the bank transfers. Consequently, the document was unfavourable, and a repayment procedure was initiated.
The decree signed by Councillor Merino on 2 September stipulates that the Federation must repay €18,596.87, an amount not supported by valid invoices. Only €6,403.13 of the €25,000 granted was deemed properly justified.
Furthermore, the Town Council reminds that the Audiencia de Cuentas de Canarias clearly states that all grants must be duly justified. Failure to do so results in beneficiaries losing the option to access new public funding. In fact, the Federation was excluded from the 2024 calls precisely for not justifying the expenses from the previous year.
The council emphasises that the responsibility for submitting valid documentation rests solely with the sports entity. “We cannot accept transfers to accounts different from those issuing the invoices or documents that raise doubts about their authenticity,” notes the Sports Department.
The Town Council insists that the €25,000 grant was indeed paid, but that it is the Federation which has not complied with the regulations. Therefore, they describe as “completely false” the claim that the lack of resources stems from the municipal institution.
This situation has caused significant turmoil in the local sports community, as the Federation announced the suspension of all races starting from 3 September, leaving numerous clubs and fans in suspense. The future of Vela Latina in Lanzarote will now depend on the final resolution of the case and the entity’s ability to regularise its financial and administrative situation.
