From Double Promotion to Footballing Freefall: Girona’s Unraveling Story

The night of May 20, 2020, remains etched in Girona’s sporting memory. Both Girona FC and Bàsquet Girona celebrated simultaneous promotions to La Liga and the ACB respectively—a celebration that sparked hopes of a golden era for the city’s sports culture. Four years later, the outcomes couldn’t be more different.

Girona FC’s path to the top flight was meteoric. The club, owned by fashion entrepreneur Pere Guardiola, invested heavily in infrastructure and talent, securing promotion via the playoffs in 2020. Their first season in La Liga saw them finish 12th, a respectable debut. But what followed was a rollercoaster:

• 2021-22: 14th place (survival secured)
• 2022-23: 11th place (Champions League qualification via Europa League)
• 2023-24: 19th place (relegation)

According to La Liga’s official records, Girona’s relegation was confirmed after a 2-1 defeat to Real Sociedad on June 8, 2024—their 19th loss of the season. The club’s financial struggles, exacerbated by the 2022-23 Champions League campaign (where they advanced from the group stage before losing to Bayern Munich), played a pivotal role.

Champions League Run: The High That Masked the Low

Girona’s Champions League debut in 2022-23 remains one of Spanish football’s great underdog stories. Managed by Mikel Artoleaga, the team topped their group ahead of Napoli and Ajax, thanks to a 4-1 win over the latter at the Montilivi Stadium. However, the financial toll was immediate.

According to a report by Marca citing UEFA’s financial fair play regulations, Girona’s Champions League participation cost €12.5 million—nearly 30% of their total revenue in that season. The club’s wage bill ballooned, and while they qualified for the Europa League the following year, their on-field form collapsed. This season, they scored just 34 goals in 38 matches, the fewest in La Liga.

“The Champions League was a beautiful dream, but it was also a financial black hole. We didn’t have the infrastructure to handle that level of competition.”

Bàsquet Girona: The Success Story That Didn’t Happen for Football

While Girona FC’s fortunes have soured, Bàsquet Girona has quietly established itself as a mid-table ACB side with European aspirations. This season, they secured the sixth and final qualifying spot for the Basketball Champions League (BCL), according to ACB’s official standings.

The contrast is stark. Bàsquet Girona’s promotion in 2020 was followed by gradual improvement: 12th in 2020-21, 10th in 2021-22, and 8th in 2022-23. Their 2023-24 season saw them finish 7th, earning the BCL spot. The club’s stability stems from a more sustainable financial model, with local sponsorships and a focus on youth development.

Coach Joan Plaza told El Periódico in May 2024: “We’ve built this project step by step. There are no miracles—just hard work and smart management.”

What Went Wrong for Girona FC?

Three interrelated factors explain Girona’s collapse:

1. Financial Mismanagement

Pere Guardiola’s ambition outpaced the club’s resources. A 2023 audit by EFE Sport revealed Girona FC had a net debt of €45 million, with €20 million tied to Champions League-related expenses. The club’s wage-to-turnover ratio exceeded 120% in 2022-23, a red flag under UEFA’s financial regulations.

2. On-Field Instability

Girona’s squad turnover was relentless. Between 2020 and 2024, the club sold 22 players for a combined €80 million (per Transfermarkt data), but spent €100 million on new signings—many of whom failed to deliver. Key departures like Alejandro Faurlín (to Atlético Madrid) and Martín Curotto (to Real Betis) left gaps that were never properly filled.

3. Tactical and Managerial Chaos

Five different head coaches managed Girona in five seasons, with only Eran Zurizadze (2020-21) and Mikel Artoleaga (2022-23) lasting more than a year. The lack of continuity contributed to a defensive identity crisis. According to WhoScored’s tactical analysis, Girona conceded the most shots in La Liga this season (1,356), ranking last in defensive actions per game.

The Road Ahead: What Happens Next?

Girona FC’s immediate future hinges on three critical factors:

1. Second Division Survival

The club’s return to Segunda División (Segunda División RFEF) begins on August 17, 2024, against Tenerife. Their first home game will be at the newly renovated Montilivi Stadium, which cost €120 million to upgrade—a financial burden that now falls solely on the club’s shoulders. According to LaLiga’s promotion rules, Girona must finish in the top 12 to avoid automatic relegation to Segunda División B.

2. Financial Restructuring

Guardiola has signaled a “leaner” approach, including a potential sale of the Montilivi Stadium to reduce debt. A report by Expansion suggests the club is exploring a €50 million loan from local banks to cover immediate liabilities. Without external investment, a return to La Liga before 2027 appears unlikely.

3. Fan and Community Response

Girona’s Ultras groups, notably the Ultras Girona, have organized protests demanding transparency. Their chants of “Guardiola, outside!” at the final home game reflect growing frustration. Meanwhile, Bàsquet Girona’s fans remain optimistic, with season ticket sales up 15% for next season.

Why the Contrast? A Tale of Two Sports Cities

Girona’s story mirrors broader trends in Spanish sports:

• Football: High-risk, high-reward model that often leads to financial collapse (see: Rayo Vallecano, Almería). Girona’s Champions League run was a gamble that paid off in prestige but not sustainability.
• Basketball: Lower financial barriers, with ACB clubs typically operating at a 20-30% lower wage-to-turnover ratio than La Liga sides. Bàsquet Girona’s €10 million annual budget pales in comparison to Girona FC’s €100 million peak spend.
• Local Investment: Girona’s basketball team benefits from strong municipal support, including a €5 million annual subsidy for youth academies. The football club, meanwhile, relies on Guardiola’s personal capital.

As The Guardian’s football correspondent noted in 2023: “Girona FC’s story is a cautionary tale about how quickly football’s fairy tale can turn into a nightmare when ambition outstrips infrastructure.”

Key Takeaways: The Girona Paradox

• Football’s Fall: Girona FC’s relegation marks the end of an era defined by financial recklessness and tactical inconsistency.
• Basketball’s Rise: Bàsquet Girona’s European qualification proves sustainable growth is possible with disciplined management.
• Financial Lessons: The Champions League’s financial strain on smaller clubs is unsustainable without proper preparation.
• Fan Divide: While football supporters face an uncertain future, basketball fans can look forward to European competition.
• City’s Identity: Girona’s sports culture now hinges on whether one club can thrive while the other struggles.