We are proud to be member-run club, says Osasuna president

KOLKATA: CA Osasuna are just one of the four La Liga sides which are member-run clubs. That is something not very common in today's world of football. Osasuna club president Luis Sabalza says that the club is proud of that identity.
"Well, the truth is that Osasuna are proud to be a member-run club. It is indeed difficult in today's world...football has become a business.But, we are different. We try to retain the essence of a traditional football club where members and fans are a very important part. We want to stay and survive in the current state," Sabalza said during a webinar which was organized by La Liga.
"We have 20,000 members and they decide what has to be done at the club, not directly but through an assembly. They also chose members democratically who represent them and are the decision-makers. There is also a committee of five that manages the finances. The management does things in line with these economic considerations."
Osasuna were founded in 1920 and are now 100 years old. "When I presented myself as the chairman in 2014, it was my wish that we get to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the club in the top division and also I remain the chairman. Both have come true," Sabalza added.
Sabalza also mentioned that he is open to the idea of Osasuna having some outreach activities or collaboration in India in the future.
"Right now, we have not got anything in our plans. We have not thought about going abroad. But, we live in a global world and there is no reason why we cannot have any collaboration in India or any other country. As long as we maintain our philosophy of working in the academy with young girls and boys. We are always open to doing new things," he said.