Controversy Surrounds CD Saladar de Jandía’s Funding

In a significant development within the world of local sports, the Ayutamiento de Pájara has demanded the return of a €30,000 nominative grant awarded to Club Deportivo Saladar de Jandía in 2023. This grant, intended to support the traditional sport of “lucha canaria,” was disbursed as part of a larger €50,000 funds earmarked for promoting and protecting this cultural heritage. However, the city council argues that the club has failed to adequately justify the use of these funds.

Background of the Grant

The sum in question was allocated following a collaboration agreement with the Concejalía de Deportes, aimed at bolstering the club’s participation in the highest competitive category of lucha canaria. The funding was intended not just to support competition but also to highlight this indigenous sport as a means to attract tourism and promote local identity.

In September 2023, the club received €30,000 in an advance payment, but the spirit of accountability mandated a detailed follow-up. This led to a request in May 2024 for all relevant documentation to substantiate the spending of these funds.

The Club’s Response

Facing the demand for documentation, the club initially sought to revoke the official requirement. They protested the city’s request for transparency, believing that they had complied with the necessary procedures. In October of the same year, the Junta de Gobierno Local made a pivotal decision, declaring the grant unsubstantiated. This ignited a series of financial and legal evaluations.

Despite presenting an audit report, invoices, and additional documents, the club was met with strong scrutiny from municipal officials.

Municipal Findings

Upon a thorough analysis, the Ayutamiento de Pájara concluded that many of the documents received from the club were either submitted late or failed to strictly adhere to the project outline. Specifically, issues arose from invoices dated in 2024, which were not allowed under the stipulations of the grant that were specifically designated for 2023.

Furthermore, invoices were identified that appeared to be improperly documented, including missing numbers, incorrect dates, and costs that were deemed non-reimbursable under the grant’s framework, such as licensing fees and unrelated services.

Overlapping Funding Discrepancies

The city council’s report raised further concerns about transparency. The club had stated it received no other funding, yet the investigation uncovered six invoices paid by the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, totaling €4,800, intended for the same expenses that the grant was meant to cover.

This inconsistency was deemed critical, as it suggested a lack of transparency and adherence to the norms of justification as prescribed in the General Law of Subsidies.

Revenue Claims and Documentation Issues

Compounding the legitimacy issues were claims regarding revenue from ticket sales, raffles, and lotteries. The club presented substantial figures in entries and tickets sold, yet these were unaccounted for in their justification of the grant.

Suspicion also arose from several invoices showing anomalies, such as sequential numbers with inconsistent issuance dates, suggesting potential fraudulent activity. The city’s report noted that some evidence indicated a worrying level of documentation that lacked credibility.

Payment Justifications Under Scrutiny

Another critical area of concern involved payments to volunteers during 2024, amounting to nearly €38,000. The way these payments were documented – primarily through responsible declarations without independent verification – raised flags. Odd patterns, like uniform monthly payments that didn’t correlate with the number of trainings conducted, led to doubts about the funding sources supporting such costs.

Discrepancies in Financial Reporting

Further examination revealed that the financial summary provided by the club did not align with the specifics set in the grant agreement. While the official agreement limited expenditures to €50,000, the club’s audit reported total spending approaching €80,000. This inconsistency threw more suspicion on the integrity of the club’s financial practices.

Conclusion of Investigative Findings

The Ayutamiento de Pájara’s report determined that various inconsistencies not only warranted the reclaiming of the €30,000 grant but also suggested troubling issues that could have legal implications. The investigation results have been forwarded to the Fiscalía, raising the potential for further legal action as this matter unfolds within the broader framework of sports funding and accountability in local governance.

This case has sparked conversations about financial transparency and accountability in local sports, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established guidelines when public funds are at stake.