Controversy in Igualada over municipal spending on Igualada Hoquei Club events

The municipal group Poble Actiu denounces an outlay of over 200,000 euros, including a private dinner, while the council defends the use of external funds.

Generic image of an empty hockey rink or a sports trophy, symbolizing the controversy.
IA

Generic image of an empty hockey rink or a sports trophy, symbolizing the controversy.

The municipal group Poble Actiu last week denounced that the Igualada City Council had allocated more than 200,000 euros to the organization of major sporting events linked to the Igualada Hoquei Club over the last two years.

The municipal candidacy detailed this amount as approximately 90,000 euros for each edition of the Final Four of the World Skate Europe Cup, over 20,000 euros for the organization of the Spanish Super Cup, and nearly 4,000 euros for a private dinner celebrating the title won in the last edition.
Councillor Elisabet Farrés, of Poble Actiu, demanded immediate explanations from Marc Castells' government, especially concerning the celebration dinner held at a well-known city restaurant with players, club members, their families, and government councillors.

"As a city, we should consider whether we should prioritize paying for elite sports competitions or ensuring equal access to sports activities for all citizens in general."

Elisabet Farrés · Poble Actiu Councillor
The City Council quantified the actual cost of the dinner at 3,100 euros and emphasized that it was “a show of unconditional support for the effort of the players and the board.” The consistory equated this policy with other aid for excellence, such as scholarships for students or professional training awards.
Regarding the hosting of the sports finals, the council explained that the expenditure generated by these major events was “fully covered” by subsidies from the Diputació de Barcelona. They also stressed that hosting the finals resulted in “a significant positive economic impact for local commerce, hospitality, and services.”
The Igualada City Council stated that it will continue to firmly support the organization of events that project the city, “always under the criterion of maximum economic efficiency and the active search for external financing to guarantee zero cost for our citizens.”