Bilbao, Spain – A deepening crisis within Basque football has taken a significant turn as all former presidents of the Basque Football Federation (EFF-FVF) have issued a joint statement in staunch support of the current administration. The unprecedented move comes amid a dispute with territorial federations representing Álava, Biscay, and Gipuzkoa over what the former leaders describe as decades of “absolute and permanent underfunding.”
The core of the conflict centers around the distribution of funds received from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). According to the former presidents, the Basque Football Federation has historically received “minimal or non-existent” funding, even as the territorial federations have benefited from direct financial support – a situation they characterize as “unique and exceptional” compared to other autonomous communities in Spain. This imbalance, they argue, has created a significant disadvantage for the EFF-FVF.
“For more than three decades, the Basque Football Federation has suffered a situation of absolute and permanent underfunding due to the current distribution of power with the territorial federations,” the statement reads, as reported by sources in the region. The former presidents assert that the recent changes sought by the current EFF-FVF leadership are not radical departures, but rather a “correction to the real and legal circumstances” of the territorial organization, ensuring the federation occupies the position It’s entitled to by statute.
The Basque Football Federation, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Bilbao, is responsible for managing association football within the Basque Country autonomous region. According to its official website, euskadifutbol.eus, the federation oversees leagues like the Basque Youth League and the Basque Women’s Football League, as well as the regional stage of the Federation Cup. It also organizes Group 4 of the Tercera División, the fourth tier of Spanish football, though administration of lower leagues is delegated to the provincial federations.
The dispute extends beyond mere finances. The former presidents also highlighted the historical lack of consistent representation for the Basque Football Federation in key RFEF forums, such as the Commission of Autonomous Presidents. They contend that the presence of the territorial federations in these bodies was not a historical norm, but rather a “unilateral and gracious” allowance by the Spanish federation.
This historical context is crucial to understanding the current tensions. The EFF-FVF’s role in selecting the Basque Country national football team – which draws players from the Basque Country autonomous region, as well as neighboring Basque regions of Navarre and the French Basque Country – adds another layer of complexity. The federation, as outlined by Wikipedia, also manages the women’s senior national team following a similar model, while youth squads and amateur selections are comprised solely of players from within the autonomous region.
Beyond the administrative and financial concerns, the former presidents emphasized the importance of unity in supporting Basque football at all levels. They issued a strong endorsement of a recent communication sent by the Basque Football Federation to clubs, urging them to avoid confrontation and work towards strengthening the sport within the region. A key priority, they stressed, is the protection of the Basque national teams – particularly the Euskal Selekzioa – viewing them as a vital part of the region’s sporting heritage.
The timing of this unified front from former leaders is significant. Recent reports, including coverage from OneFootball, indicate a growing rift between the Basque Football Federation and the territorial bodies. The former presidents’ statement is clearly intended to bolster the current leadership’s position and counter what they perceive as unfair treatment.
The situation remains fluid, and the outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the future of football in the Basque Country. The EFF-FVF is currently scheduled to hold meetings with representatives from the territorial federations in the coming weeks to attempt to reach a resolution. The federation’s president, Iker Goñi, and General Secretary, Kepa Allica, will be central to these negotiations. The next key date for the Euskal Selekzioa is currently unconfirmed, but updates will be available on the federation’s website.
As the Basque Football Federation navigates this challenging period, the unified support of its former leaders sends a clear message: the pursuit of fair funding and a stronger, more autonomous regional football structure is a priority for those who have shaped the game in the Basque Country for decades.
