Ortiz’s Hercules, years of debate and a city watching
Hércules CF finds itself in a moment of heavy silence at Rico Pérez. Just last week, after a complaint from the Prosecutor’s Office over alleged concealment of assets, the club’s public statements offered little comfort and few concrete signs of life from the leadership. The club’s management appears paralyzed nearly a month after a chaotic episode linked to Adarve, with Carmelo del Pozo’s departure after two seasons without meeting the sporting goals still the only clear formality. A contested claim that could have changed the narrative remains unanswered, leaving observers to question the club’s defence. An official note promised that funds from a high‑profile signing would flow to the public treasury, to social security, and to staff payrolls, with all details documented for verification—yet the club has not publicly shown this last paragraph in full. Through today, supporters are left waiting for more transparent accountability.
In the meantime, Del Pozo remains at Rico Pérez, his contract set to expire at month’s end. The outcome of ongoing planning for the team appears postponed, with little movement on the sporting project. A strong roster still seems possible, the club argues, but it hinges on the arrival of a new sporting director and coach. Initial signals pointed to Quique Hernández, yet a corporate crisis has stalled his entry. Current expectations suggest Hernández may return to the Blues and Whites if circumstances shift again.
Ortiz era: more than twenty years of debate
Parallel to the ongoing silence, fans keep pressuring the leadership. A new protest is scheduled for Sunday at 13:00 in Benalúa, where supporters plan to wear masks and reiterate demands for the exit of the majority shareholder, while maintaining orderly conduct. T‑shirts and posters depicting Ortiz and other figures have been prepared as part of the demonstration.
Recent discussions have intensified the tensions inside Alicante. A judge from Alicante’s Ninth Directive has sued Hércules CF, its Foundation, and the Caja Rural Central’s leadership in connection with asset removal and obstruction of execution. The court case is set for testimony dates between 18 and 21 July, with key figures named to appear, including Carlos Parodi, Valentín Botella, and José León, along with other board members mentioned in the complaint.
Barcala’s position: Ortiz removal not straightforward
Further developments are expected on 21 July when José María Caruana will announce the secretary of the council, the Caja Rural’s representative, and the director of a local branch. A Tax Office witness is also anticipated in the proceedings that day. The magistrate’s inquiry began after a Prosecutor’s Office filing alleged that two million euros tied to the Abde signing for Barcelona were withheld to limit Treasury oversight and to shield parts of the club from debts owed to the Tax Authority. The investigation traces the funds through mid‑2021 as they were divided into 34 checks totaling 2,000,000 euros, with most checks valued at 60,000 euros and a final smaller amount, all aimed at Hércules CF.
Herculans Association Meets at Alicante Town Hall
The Herculanos Association, represented by David Rubio, is set to speak at Alicante Town Hall this Thursday. Local parties including PSOE and Podemos Alicante, along with groups seeking a resolution to the crisis, have urged Ortiz to depart. Politicians from Compromís have also signaled the need for a thorough review of any proposals to ensure a stable transition of ownership while avoiding fresh scandals. The sentiment from city officials emphasizes scrutiny of any potential changes to the asset and a desire to move Hércules toward a sustainable future.
Hércules has remained largely silent as the club’s leadership stalls on strategic decisions. Public statements stress the importance of transparent accounting and adherence to legal processes, while observers demand concrete action to restore trust among supporters and investors alike. The broader question for Alicante is whether the club can emerge from the shadow of the current crisis and reestablish a path toward competitive performance and community engagement.
Del Pozo continues with office duties until the scheduled contract end, and the immediate focus remains on assembling a viable squad for the near future. The process of appointing a sporting director and head coach is seen as foundational. While some circles hoped for an early return by Hernández, the ongoing corporate disturbances have tempered expectations. Still, there is a belief that a coherent leadership team could emerge, guiding Hércules through the current turbulence and toward a robust season ahead.
Ortiz’s Hércules: a decades‑long debate
As silence and disruption persist, protesters keep showing up. The next mobilization in Benalúa is set for Sunday at 13:00, with participants planning symbolic attire to highlight the call for Ortiz’s exit. The demonstrations intend to stay peaceful while making a clear statement about governance and accountability. Supporters have produced banners and apparel featuring Ortiz and Barcala, signaling the emotional stakes at play in Alicante’s football landscape.
In parallel, discussions have heated up around the role of sponsors and governance. A judge overseeing the Hércules matter has summoned the club, its foundation, and sponsor representatives to clarify financial dealings spanning 2021. The courtroom timeline is set across mid to late July, with several key stakeholders poised to testify and offer their accounts as the case unfolds.
Barcala’s stance on Ortiz remains firm
As proceedings advance, announcements about leadership changes are anticipated. The timeline includes the confirmation of a council secretary and the appointment of the Caja Rural’s liaison, along with a branch director. A Tax Office official is listed as a witness in the case, underscoring the financial scrutiny surrounding Abde’s Barcelona signing and the broader debts facing the club. The episode traces funds through 2021 and into subsequent assessments as checks move through the system, highlighting ongoing questions about fiscal management at Rico Pérez.
Herculanos Association Meeting at Town Hall
David Rubio, representing the Herculanos Association, is scheduled to present at Alicante Town Hall alongside political groups and civic actors seeking a resolution. The aim is to keep pressure on those with controlling interests to pursue a transparent, accountable path for Hércules and to ensure ownership changes occur with clear approvals and safeguards against new scandals.
In sum, Hércules faces a pivotal moment. The city watches closely as leadership, sponsorship, and governance are tested under the glare of public scrutiny. The outcomes will shape not only the club’s fortunes on the pitch but its standing within the community that has long supported the Blue and White cause.