The situation around the Federation’s future in Spanish football remains uncertain. It is unclear if the current rumors are smoke or a real plan, but there is clear tension within mid season clubs. The First Federation and its feeder leagues, including Eldense, La Nucía, Intercity and Alcoyano, face questions about the viability of the RFEF’s structure. The possibility exists that the competition could disappear at the end of this season after a decision by the Spanish Football Federation that has provoked widespread debate and requires many clubs to weigh in. A new competition model could be under consideration for the next season as part of a broader evaluation of the existing framework.
The federation has not issued an official statement yet. One sign that changes could be underway is the appointment of Javier Vich, the current manager of the First Federation, as director of the Second Federation as well, which may reflect ongoing conflicts among clubs. Reports suggest that beyond profitability concerns, an alternative format might be prepared to replace the current system after episodes involving Extremadura and Dux Internacional, underscoring the push for a more professional approach across the board. The federation and clubs now face decisions about what form the sport should take in the near term.
Are all targets intact?
Pedro Rojas
The financial strain affecting many of the 40 clubs across the two groups has created a volatile environment. A surge in complaints and ongoing instability with the federation could bring back the older Second B model with several groups and a larger number of teams. This model currently comprises 80 teams divided into four groups, but its future remains unsettled as changes approach. The impact on the Second and Third RFEF is not yet clear, and uncertainty permeates every decision.
In the bronze category there are serious television challenges tied to a single broadcasting platform that has not always delivered high-quality coverage. The absence of a sponsor to name the category further limits revenue. The federation’s initiatives, along with partners such as InSports TV for match broadcasts, have not consistently produced sufficient financial stability. The crisis threatens the survival of the present model and extends beyond mere liquidity issues. Club spending has risen sharply due to travel costs as the Second B splits into two groups rather than four, expanding territorial reach from west to east in the 2022-23 campaign. With revenues not keeping pace with expenses, many clubs are left financially exposed as the contest remains controversial. The coming months will reveal how the federation explains these movements to clubs that are currently in the thick of the season, and a potential relegation freeze may feature in any announced changes. During the last federation gathering, neither proposal presented by the federation was adopted, and discussions suggested that a shift back to an older model could be considered, alongside ongoing debates about governance and direction for Spanish football.