The 7 deadly sins of Elche’s relegation
JA Galvanized
INTERVENTION ON THE STANDS
Support from more than 24,000 subscribers and a loyal team despite the tough results
Fans of Franjiverdes began the season with real energy to celebrate the Centenary. After two campaigns in the top flight, they once dreamed bigger. The season ticket drive was a resounding success, with over 24,000 fans purchasing their cards.
Yet even amid ongoing letdowns and frustration, Elche supporters showed resilience. They stood by the team and its players through thick and thin. In the final match against Valencia at Martínez Valero, after a 0-2 defeat that sealed relegation, fans voiced their discontent with the slogan Bragarnik go now while quiet loyalty had previously marked home and away games. This moment underscored a turning point for the crowd’s relationship with the ownership. Citation: Elche fan coverage from major local outlets.
IMPORTANT COMPLEMENTS
Centennial events and social distancing efforts
Bragarnik keeps a low profile outside the club workings at Martínez Valero. His frequent trips to Argentina and limited presence in Elche drew criticism from fans.
Although comfortable with photography, he tends to avoid the public eye. He did not participate in the two flagship Centennial events, including the city council gold medal ceremony and the Peñas Federation fans gala.
In matters of public affairs, ownership typically leans on president Joaquín Buitrago, who handles media relations, institutions, and fan clubs. This dynamic has fostered a loyalty among supporters who expect to see the club’s top figure actively engaged in sports and community events. Citation: Local coverage of club governance.
Bragarnik acknowledged in an interview that this approach was a mistake and promised changes, though progress has been slow. Citation: Interview reports.
CURRENT MONEY
Salary cap close to this season’s levels
Regaining the affection and trust of a disillusioned fan base is a priority for Bragarnik. The owner understands that a competitive team in the Second Division is essential to rising back to the First Division.
Money is not the sole driver here. Elche finished the season with the lowest salary cap among La Liga clubs, just over 20 million. In the Second Division, however, relegation relief from LaLiga is expected to exceed ten million, providing room to assemble a solid squad and retain key players under contract. Citation: Financial analyses from league reports.
Even with the drop, the projected salary cap for next season remains around 20 million, roughly unchanged from the current top flight. A small portion of the IVC credit, around 5 percent, could also be available to support squad rebuilding. Citation: Primera division financial summaries.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Rehabilitation of the Martínez Valero exterior and the plan for a new sports city
One of Bragarnik’s promises to fans and the club is the creation of a sports city to address training site shortages while modernizing the stadium’s exterior. Progress has encountered bureaucratic delays, but the owner has repeatedly stated these initiatives will move forward soon, backed by existing club finances and LaLiga loan support. Citation: Club statements and financial disclosures.
So far, interior upgrades have included better changing rooms and enhanced seating areas. Fans, however, are waiting for the exterior renovation and the full development of the sports city. Citation: Infrastructure updates and planning notes.