24.09.2024 19:13 Source: StadiumDB.com; Author: Paulina Scola
RC Deportivo, A Coruña City Council and the Galician Football Federation held a technical meeting to finalize logistical and technical aspects ahead of the visit of a FIFA delegation linked to the modernization of the stadium in preparation for the 2030 World Cup.
Defined Roles
The meeting took place in the Avelenda restaurant in the City Hall. The club was represented by Massimo Benassi and six other members. The City Council was represented by the person in charge of coordinating the technical visit, the logistics team and David Estany, the architect of the Riazor renovation project. The Galician Federation sent its secretary general Diego Batalla and vice-president Juan Luis Villamisar.
During the meeting, RC Deportivo was informed that its role during the FIFA visit would be limited to providing organizational representation and technical support at both Riazor and Abegondo Sports City. At the same time, the club reiterated some of the concerns expressed in recent months, such as the sustainability of the project and the compatibility of construction work with the team's sporting activities.
© Cristian Garcia
The club stands firm
During talks held a few days ago, Deportivo de La Coruña made it clear that it has neither the budget nor the sponsors to cover the costs of the works at the Abanca Riazor stadium, but is ready to fully cooperate if the concerns raised in the various meetings are resolved and the city council guarantees the necessary funds. The Galician parliament has offered to co-finance the renovation works, but further funding is needed to avoid the city being left out of the final list.
The club also stressed the importance of ensuring the stadium's renovation remains sustainable and useful beyond the 2030 World Cup. Deportivo has insisted on detailed planning and constant communication, especially on key issues such as infrastructure and spectator experience, to meet international standards. It also stressed the importance of maintaining an open and transparent dialogue between all parties involved. An official Deportivo statement read: “Given the financial realities of the club, which recently emerged from 12 years of bankruptcy, it is essential for any proposal to not jeopardize future profitability.”
The September 21 meeting was aimed at solidifying planned actions with less than six years to go until the tournament. Given the project requires work on multiple fronts, both design and investment need to be carried out quickly. A FIFA visit is planned for September 24.
© Pablo Herrero (cc: by)
