MADRID: Malaysian football clubs fighting for survival should take a look at SD Amorebieta — a Spanish division two club.
Amorebieta struggle too, and they also face financial and facilities issues like Malaysian clubs.
But the way the Azules (Blues) manage things in Spain, a football-developed nation, can be a case study for Malaysian clubs.
And they have survived for 99 years, weathering the ups and downs. How many small M-League clubs can last even a decade?
Amorebieta started as an amateur club in Amorebieta-Etxano, a town in Biscay in the Basque country of northern Spain.
Their journey to prominence saw them ascend to the Segunda Division (La liga Division Two) for the first time in 2021, but only to be relegated a a year later.
Undeterred, the Azules worked their way back to the Segunda Division last year. This season, Amorebieta are fighting relegation as they languish in the lower reaches of the 22-team league.
Despite the difficult situation, Amorebieta's president, Jon Larrea, remains optimistic while recognising the harsh realities of football.
"Our main priority is to not get relegated. We have made a lot of efforts to stay in the second division. We hope we can keep the club up for many years," Larrea told Timesport.
Amorebieta share another similarity with many M-League clubs. Though they are almost a century old, they don't own many things.
They host their home games at the Lezama Facilities outside Bilbao, as Amorebieta's own ground, Campo Municipal de Urritxe, is not approved for the Segunda Division matches.
The club struggles to generate revenue as it has only 1,000 members in a town with a population of 1,800.
"We are not a club that generates much revenue. We're not appealing in a way. We cannot think that we can be really rich or that we can get some kind of godfather to give us money," said Larrea.
"We need to consolidate little by little to grow but we must not forget reality. We are proud of who we are."
However, Amorebieta receive great support from their town council. Larrea said he is grateful to his town council for its financial contributions to help the team out in facilities and operational costs.
How about our majlis perbandaran helping out M-League teams?
Also, Amorebieta are supported by the LaLiga Impulso project, a partnership with private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. It is a programe by La Liga to help small Spanish clubs.
It provides funds for the clubs' growth projects, with conditions more favourable than traditional bank loans.
"It's a good relationship and like any relationship, there are ups and downs, good and not-so-good moments," said Larrea.
"The town council lets us play for free, and also pays for water and electricity. As for pitch maintenance, we pay half.
"Apart from letting us use the facilities exclusively, they also give us a financial grant. It's not a big amount but it's a big help.
"Our pitch belongs to the town council. We don't have any equity.
"We don't have any guarantee to back us for a bank loan. Thanks to the CVC support and broadcasting rights, we have access to funds.
"The CVC conditions are also different from conditions set by the banks.
"My wish for the club is to have healthy finances for many years. The town will always be proud of the club and for us to play in the second division for many years," added Larrea.