The recent involvement of José Miguel Garrido, the primary stakeholder of CD Tenerife and a self-confessed tax evader, in the high-profile Nummaria case has sparked significant shock and alarm within the political bodies of the Island. It comes as no surprise, as the Madrid entrepreneur admitted in the major trial to defrauding the Tax Authorities in his Personal Income Tax (IRPF) declarations from 2011 to 2015, resulting in a hefty sum of 1.8 million Euros to be paid. Rosa Dávila, the president of the Island Council of Tenerife, was clear in expressing her views: “The most responsible course of action for Mr. Garrido would be to step down, and that is the collective expectation in the hours ahead,” she mentioned in remarks to DIARIO DE AVISOS.
The primary concern expressed by the head representative of the Cabildo was the impact on the club’s image and the island due to the legal proceedings against the top shareholder of the blue and white team. “CD Tenerife is a trading entity with its shareholders and independence, but undoubtedly, the club’s affairs have repercussions on the Island. The information circulating, disseminated widely across various media outlets in the Canary Islands and Spain, is tarnishing the reputation of the Island,” emphasized Dávila.
She further highlighted that the unfolding saga involving José Miguel Garrido goes beyond mere sports implications. “Events have taken a different turn, so as the president of the Cabildo, I am deeply concerned about the repercussions of this episode on the reputation of Tenerife and CD Tenerife.”
Acknowledging the efforts made by Paulino Rivero to enhance the club’s connection with the community, she expressed worries about how the owner’s decisions and wrongdoings could overshadow this progress. “Tremendous efforts have been invested in just one year. There has been a significant push towards collaborating with clubs, supporting women’s sports, engaging Tenerife fans, and promoting inclusivity. Paulino is genuinely passionate about the cause, and it is disheartening to see the stain cast by one individual’s actions,” she lamented.
She also cautioned stakeholders about the ownership landscape of the sports institution and expressed a collective desire to see the dishonest entrepreneur removed from power. “Although Garrido holds the largest stake, he does not own all the shares. The unfolding events in the coming hours and days will shed light on the resolution of this intricate situation.”
Advocate for Increased Passion for the Club
This is not the first instance where the political figure has stressed the importance of the individual at the helm of CD Tenerife having a deep affinity and commitment to the club.
In an interview with Cope Tenerife on June 4, Dávila underscored her desire for decisions made by the board of directors to be founded on a collective approach.
All this comes in the wake of the appointment of Óscar Cano from Granada as a replacement for Asier Garitano on the island bench, a decision made by the club owner, José Miguel Garrido, which sparked controversy not only among a section of the blue and white supporters but also among other significant shareholders of the entity.
