Elche have been demoted from La Liga because of unpaid tax debts and Eibar will take their place in Spain’s top flight next season.
The Alicante-based side, who finished 13th in the league, were punished for “very serious infractions” of Spain’s sports law and fined 180,000 euros.
Elche will appeal, saying the debts will be settled by the end of July.
Basque club Eibar’s maiden season in La Liga ended in relegation on the final day in May.
So a reprieve for Eibar but more importantly this could lead to a return for Gaizka Garitano at the managerial helm, the Basque Manager resigned after Eibar’s relegation stating that he had lost his authority at the club due to relegation. Will this salvation be enough to tempt him back to the job or will Eibar now look for a new man to lead their second season in the Primera Division.
Delight for Eibar but despair for Elche who will now certainly lose the services of striker Jonatas who will be unwilling to return for a second season with the club in the second flight of Spanish Football. Is it Harsh on Elche, probably but at least Spanish Football is starting to get it’s house in order in terms of finances. Although the question you do have to ask is that if it was a bigger club, would they suffer the same fate?