Harsh words from Valencia’s former president aimed at the club’s top shareholder
Those who know him describe Paco Roig as a volcanic personality, and his latest public remarks confirm that reputation. At the opening of the Yomus headquarters, the former Valencia CF president launched into a pointed critique of the club’s current trajectory under Peter Lim’s leadership. Roig contended that he did not understand what Lim sought from Valencia CF and suggested that transfers had been used to extract money from the club. He stated that the situation on the pitch was deteriorating and questioned Lim’s level of involvement with the team, noting that Lim had sent his son to Valencia rather than appearing in person. Roig implied that Lim’s primary financial motive was the extraction of funds from the club rather than a genuine commitment to its sporting success, describing Lim as someone who profits from the sport rather than investing in its future.
“Peter Lim is an artist who takes the money”
Roig amplified his criticism by suggesting that Lim lacked affection or emotional attachment to Valencia CF. According to Roig, Lim’s actions demonstrated a focus on monetary gain rather than a connection to the club’s heritage or its fans. He characterized Lim as someone who prioritizes profits over the club’s welfare, indicating that players, fans, and staff deserve loyalty and investment from ownership. The remarks were framed as a challenge to Lim’s stewardship and a call for accountability from the owners. (Goal)
“Valencia is getting more and more dead”
In a sweeping assessment, Roig accused Lim of overseeing financial practices tied to player transfers, alleging that substantial sums moved through the market without sufficient scrutiny. He cited a figure in the tens of millions of euros as indicative of broader money movements that, in his view, did not translate into tangible benefits for the club. Roig argued that Valencia’s struggles were not solely about on-field performances but also about the stewardship and financial strategy guiding the club. He warned that the absence of active, visible ownership could leave Valencia in a precarious position, with the implication that alternatives or changes in leadership might be necessary to restore vitality. The exchange underscores a broader debate about ownership, accountability, and the long-term health of the club. (Goal)
Roig’s statements reverberated through Valencian circles, described by observers as a seismic eruption in local sports discourse. The remarks sparked questions about the appropriate role of ownership and the best path forward for Valencia CF, especially in relation to leadership from Meriton Holdings and the club’s strategic direction. Commentators noted that such public confrontations typically prompt responses from the club and its owners, who must address concerns about transparency, investment, and the balance between financial discipline and sporting ambition. The evolving conversation reflects a wider tension seen in many Europe-based clubs where owners abroad hold controlling stakes but must earn the trust of fans through consistent, visible commitment to both performance and community engagement. (Goal)
Overall, the episode marks another chapter in the ongoing dialogue over Valencia CF’s governance and the future of its competitive standing. Whether this public airing of grievances translates into formal statements or policy changes remains to be seen, but it certainly intensified scrutiny of leadership, funding, and the relationship between ownership and the club’s long-term prospects. (Goal)