Langreo, Spain – The Unión Popular de Langreo is in mourning following the death of Víctor Manuel Fernández-Miranda Fonseca, the club’s longest-serving president. Fernández-Miranda passed away on Monday at his home at the age of 67, after a long illness. His tenure, spanning from September 22, 2014, to February 5, 2026, marked a period of stabilization for the club, navigating both sporting and economic challenges.
Fernández-Miranda assumed the presidency following the resignation of Ana Belén Pacho due to health reasons. He inherited a club with limited resources and immediately focused on maintaining its position in a competitive landscape. He successfully led the club through three electoral processes, securing re-election in 2017, 2021, and again in March 2025.
Under his leadership, Langreo stabilized in Segunda División B and later in Segunda Federación, competing in those categories for nine of his twelve seasons at the helm. A notable moment during his presidency came in the 2015-2016 season with the signing of Miguel Pérez Cuesta, known as Michu, the brother of then-coach Hernán Pérez. Langreo B achieved a historic promotion to Tercera División under the guidance of former player Ricardo Terente Torre.
The club faced significant financial hurdles during Fernández-Miranda’s time, including a temporary employee restructuring plan (ERTE) implemented in March 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate economic impact. More recently, in the summer of 2024, the club publicly acknowledged issues with its primary sponsor, Quazzartech, who ceased fulfilling previously agreed-upon financial commitments.
Following Fernández-Miranda’s departure in February due to his health, a provisional board of five members, led by team captain and goalkeeper Adrián Torre, took over the club’s management. Torre immediately addressed the club’s precarious financial situation, revealing a require for €225,000 to complete the season.
Adrián Torre expressed his deep sorrow at the loss of Fernández-Miranda, describing him as a man who “lived for Langreo and gave everything for the club.” He acknowledged the immense task ahead, stating, “We have to manage it like a business, you need a team of people.” Torre also affirmed Fernández-Miranda’s positive impact on the sporting side, saying, “No one can reproach him for anything in the sporting aspect; he put Langreo in the place it deserves.”
Hernán Pérez, now the national coach for Spain’s under-16 and under-15 teams and assistant coach for the under-21 squad, shared his grief, recalling his time at Langreo and the opportunities Fernández-Miranda provided. “You start at a humble club given that they offer you these opportunities and you experience complicated situations that unite you,” Pérez said. He last saw Fernández-Miranda in the hospital, noting his enduring spirit despite his illness. “He was a good person who fought for many years against all odds. I would have liked him to have left knowing that Langreo was safe, both sporting and financially.” Pérez emphasized the president’s tireless efforts, “He fought for Langreo, looking for money from under stones; I can say that he couldn’t have done more than he did.”
Another significant signing during Fernández-Miranda’s presidency was Xavi Annunziata, a former Oviedo player who played for Langreo in the 2014-15 season. Annunziata described Fernández-Miranda as a “close, attentive person who did everything possible to make me feel integrated; he was a guy who devoted himself to the club, very passionate about football, and treated me exquisitely. It’s a shame, he went through a challenging situation.”
Luis Gallego, president of Marino de Luanco, also mourned Fernández-Miranda’s passing, calling him “an excellent person.” Gallego recalled their time together representing Asturias in the Spanish Football Federation alongside Maxi Martínez. “He was a man of football who did a great job, and people don’t know how difficult it is. Langreo will miss him; he kept the team in Segunda Federación almost always.”
Víctor Fernández-Miranda’s legacy extends beyond the boardroom. He is remembered as a dedicated leader who steered Langreo through challenging times, fostering a sense of stability and community within the club. His commitment to the team and the region will be deeply missed by players, staff, and fans alike.
As Langreo navigates this period of transition, the focus remains on securing the club’s financial future and continuing its progress on the pitch. The provisional board, led by Adrián Torre, faces the immediate challenge of raising the necessary funds to complete the current season. The next match for Unión Popular de Langreo is scheduled for April 5th against Real Avilés, a crucial fixture as they continue their campaign in Segunda Federación.
Archysport will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
