Intercity’s Leadership Shake-Up in Alicante Mirrors a Push for Stability and Growth
Perfecto Palacio’s tenure at Intercity concluded sooner than expected, ending less than two years after it began. The Alicante businessman, who until recently served as vice-president of the club, has stepped down from his board role but continues to hold the shares obtained during the organization’s IPO a few months earlier. This transition arrives amid a period of negotiation and strategic realignment as the club seeks a clearer path forward in a challenging competitive environment. Palacio’s departure comes after a phase in which the club was exploring new modes of operation and aiming to consolidate its management structure to better support its promotion ambitions.
The collaboration with Intercity began in 2020 when Palacio joined the project as a stakeholder in the ambitious mission to elevate football in the region. He recalls his initial perspective from the outset: a commitment to working together that would help raise the sport in Alicante to a higher level, supported by hard work and shared determination. Within two seasons, the club celebrated two promotions, marking a significant period of momentum. Palacio’s resignation from the executive team aligns with the broader restructuring discussions that surfaced following public discussions about potential mergers and reorganization within the management group. These conversations contributed to a sense of change at the top, even as the club’s objectives remained focused on competitive success on the field.
Salvador Martí’s Boardroom Move and the Transfer of Sporting Responsibility
In light of the need to reconfigure the board, Salvador Martí has signaled an intent to delegate the sporting responsibilities and oversight of the club’s broader activities to a new leadership team. The plan involves transitioning control of the sports operations to a figure with strong pedigree in the game, notably a former Atlético de Madrid player who has become closely associated with Intercity’s strategic direction. The aim is to provide a stable, credible pathway for the club’s future and to align leadership with the on-field goals, including the possibility of pursuing a higher tier in league competition in the coming seasons. This leadership realignment is designed to fortify the club’s infrastructure and governance, ensuring that the sporting project remains sustainable while maintaining momentum toward promotion and growth.
The person identified for this pivotal role is expected to oversee both the sports program and the preparation of the squad. The decision reflects an belief that having a decisive, well-resourced leadership figure at the helm is essential for navigating the challenges of professional football, especially for an organization seeking to expand its footprint in the Second Division and beyond. Martí, who now relies on the authority of the board to drive these changes, has publicly acknowledged Palacio’s contributions as part of the club’s recent progress. Palacio’s efforts helped the team achieve consecutive promotions, a milestone that has been recognized by both supporters and stakeholders in the Alicante football community.
Looking ahead, there is a clear intent to retain a robust and merit-based approach to management. The club’s leadership emphasizes the necessity of long-term planning, adequate training facilities, and a competitive structure that can sustain performance at higher levels. The evolving leadership framework is expected to empower the sporting director and the new operations chief to bring in the required expertise and resources, aligning the club’s ambitions with realistic, executable plans. In the face of the changes, the organization remains committed to upholding professional standards, ensuring that every step taken supports the strategic objective of advancing Intercity’s standing in the national football landscape.