In women’s football, performing at a high level on the pitch is not enough. That is exactly what is happening to Levante. Them being the third best team in Spain, very close to FC Barcelona or Real Madrid, does not cut it. Even if they have achieved it without a big budget. Despite all of their success, the ‘granota’ side have decided to cut corners in their women’s section in their new financial plan.
Levante UD gave a press conference this week in which they explained their brand new plan to reduce the club’s debt, which exceeds 100 million euros. In said conference, José Danvila, their managing director, and Maribel Vilaplana, the council spokesman, explained some of the measures that will have major efects in their women’s football department.
The main problem is not there. The priority of the ‘granota’ side lies in the stability of the men’s squad, which currently plays in the Second Division. It is obvious that the income is not the same, but it is not a good moment to leave aside the most decorated section of the Valencian club. Women’s football is growing massively and investing on it is very important to prevent the hard-fought progression from slowing down.
Over the course of the conference, Danvila stated the club’s intention with the women’s section: “Women’s football has to undergo a reduction. We have had some wonderful years, but it has to be reduced. We will sustain it with as solid of a structure as we can”. It is clear that Levante have chose to focus on another departments that they consider more important, which is really unfair. The decision has caused great concern among the players, coaching staff and their supporters.
The locker room has not liked the way everything has been comunicated at all, as they consider their stability to be on the line. The reigning world champion, Alba Redondo, confirmed for PlazaDeportiva.com that the roster found out about the decision over social media: “I do not think women’s Levante will disappear, but it gives a bad image to the rest of the world. I find it sad that we first heard about them cutting corners over social media. We knew the club was in a bad situation, but it is tough to hear that they will try to sustain the project as well as they can next season…”.
The uncertainty might lead a lot of players to reconsider their future and not re-sign. The contract of their coach, José Luis Sánchez Vera, runs out in 2024 and he will have plenty of offers. The manager is doing a tremendous job and he seems to not have liked the decision and way of communicating of the ‘granota’ side. He expressed his dissatisfaction on his X profile and was backed up by many personalities in the world of football.
Throughout their history, the ‘granota’ side have lifted four league titles, six Copas de la Reina and two Supercopas de España. This very season, they have played in the Champions League and rank fourth in the Liga F table. They are only third to Barça and Real Madrid, who are on another level financially. In this year’s league championship, they have only lost to Athletic Club and have even beat Real Madrid. The goal remains the same: qualifying to play European football.
Without major signings, Levante have very interesting players and youngsters that are dragging a lot of attention. Alba Redondo won the World Cup this summer and was nominated to the Ballon d’Or. Has anybody else from Levante ever been considered for such award? The answer is that nobody has, but it does not seem to matter. She is one of the most coveted players in Europe, and her contract also ends in 2024.
It seems like Levante will try to raise as much money as they can after announcing their plan. The player that has gathered the most traction and increases its value every day is María Méndez. The 22-year-old center-back is under contract until 2025 and many clubs, including Barça, are interested in signing her. She has been one of the best defenders in Liga F and has already established herself as a lock for Montse Tomé in the Spanish national team. All signs point to her having to leave after the season is over.
It is a shame that the work of so many years will go to waste due to a lack of investment. Levante’s women’s section clearly does not entail a huge expense, making the club’s decision even harder to comprehend. The best squad of the ‘granota’ institution that, on the low, works like a charm every season. After the professionalization, now is the most important time for the women’s clubs, and they have compromised the stability of one of the best teams in the country at the drop of a hat.
Once again, another defeat in the path to vindicate women’s football…
Translated by Nuño Alonso.
Main image: @LUDfemenino.
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