Marathón president Daniel Otero announced a public auction for the naming rights of the Yankel Rosenthal stadium to fund infrastructure improvements including floodlights, following the club’s qualification for the Champions Cup after a six-year absence, diez.hn reported.
Auction of naming rights funds stadium upgrades
The financing strategy involves selling naming and image rights rather than a standard commercial concession. Otero stated that the venue will adopt a new name next year through a public auction. Revenue from this sale, alongside funds generated from private executive suites, is earmarked to pay for the installation of floodlighting and other facility upgrades at the stadium.
Otero also raised concerns regarding field conditions across the domestic league, pointing out that players face difficult surfaces when matches are scheduled for afternoon kickoffs at 3 p.m. local time.
Arbitration complaints and request for international referees
Alongside the infrastructure announcements, Otero criticized National League refereeing standards. He described a penalty awarded against his side during a match against Independiente in Comayagua as scandalous, alleging that match officials physically influenced the central referee’s decision.
According to Otero, Marathón players reported receiving verbal warnings on the pitch from referees referencing club criticisms, with match officials allegedly telling players that unfavorable decisions stem from the club president’s public statements.
In response to these grievances, Otero confirmed he signed a formal letter addressed to the secretary of the Honduran Football Federation requesting international referees for the remainder of Marathón’s fixtures.
Discussing squad reinforcements for Champions Cup
Looking ahead to continental competition, Otero stated that management remains in regular contact with the coaching staff regarding roster reinforcements and new signings for the upcoming tournament. He expressed a preference for drawing a high-profile opponent from Major League Soccer or Liga MX in the Champions Cup rather than a Canadian club.
The club president also noted the financial commitments involved in running the institution, highlighting a monthly payroll exceeding four million units while defending his frustration over late-match officiating decisions.
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