Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain – The Club Deportivo Lakua has escalated its dispute with former president Mohamed Akbache, filing both a criminal complaint and a separate claim of social media account usurpation, according to a statement released Monday. The move, spearheaded by the club’s current leadership under president Sergio Lasarte, comes after an internal review revealed significant financial irregularities and alleged misuse of club funds.
The legal action, initiated at the Palacio de Justicia in Vitoria, centers around concerns that funds from the club were diverted to personal accounts. Specifically, the club alleges that approximately €15,000 from a cooperative agreement with Athletic Club was transferred in three installments of €5,000 each to private individuals. These findings prompted the Junta Directiva to seek legal recourse, with the full backing of the club’s families – representing over 700 young athletes – who were briefed on the situation prior to the filing.
“We are taking these steps to protect the future of Lakua and ensure accountability,” said a source within the club, speaking on background. “The financial situation we inherited was deeply concerning, and we have a responsibility to our members and their families to address these issues head-on.”
The second prong of the legal challenge focuses on allegations that Akbache improperly accessed and utilized the club’s official social media accounts following his resignation. The club claims Akbache has been using these platforms to issue unauthorized communications, potentially misleading the public and further destabilizing the organization. This claim of account usurpation adds another layer to the already complex legal battle.
The current situation stems from a period of increasing discontent with Akbache’s leadership, which culminated in his resignation in January 2026. Reports at the time indicated Akbache stepped down amid mounting pressure and growing dissatisfaction from families associated with the club. Sergio Lasarte was subsequently appointed as his replacement.
Though, the transition of power has been far from smooth. The new board, led by Lasarte, quickly discovered a substantial debt burden, estimated at around €400,000. This debt includes outstanding payments to suppliers of sporting equipment – some of whom reportedly withheld deliveries due to non-payment – transportation companies, and the Vitoria City Council for apply of sporting facilities. The financial strain has created significant operational challenges for the club.
The club’s decision to pursue legal action signals a firm resolve to address the financial and administrative issues that plagued the organization under Akbache’s leadership. The Junta Directiva hopes that the legal proceedings will not only recover any misappropriated funds but also establish a clear path forward for the club’s long-term stability.
This isn’t simply a financial dispute. it’s about safeguarding the future of a club deeply rooted in the Vitoria-Gasteiz community. With over 700 young players involved, the stakes are high. The club’s leadership is determined to restore trust and transparency, ensuring that Lakua continues to provide a positive and supportive environment for its athletes.
The legal proceedings are expected to be lengthy and complex. The club has retained legal counsel and is preparing to fully cooperate with authorities throughout the investigation. The next step will be a formal response from Akbache and his legal team, which is anticipated in the coming weeks.
As the legal battle unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the continued operation of the club and minimizing disruption to the players and their families. The Junta Directiva has assured members that it is committed to maintaining a stable and positive environment despite the ongoing challenges. Updates on the legal proceedings will be provided as they become available.
Lakua’s next scheduled action is a youth league match against Indartsu on April 5th. The club will continue to provide updates on the legal situation and its impact on club operations through its official channels.
