Maradona's Son's Coaching Stint Ends as UD Ibarra Collapses Under Debt

A year ago, UD Ibarra, a football club that had been a steady presence in Tenerifean football for decades, suddenly found itself in the spotlight. Founded in 1969, it was a familiar name in the Tercera División, but that was the extent of its reach. Everything changed when Diego Armando Maradona's son was appointed as the team's coach. This move put the modest club from El Fraile on the map, with its name resonating beyond the island.

The team's popularity grew, and so did its performance. UD Ibarra climbed the league table, setting its sights on promotion to the Segunda RFEF. After finishing fourth, they entered the play-offs. Their semi-final match was against Tamaraceite. They won the first leg 1-0, but a 3-0 loss in the second leg meant their promotion hopes were dashed. This defeat marked not only a disappointing end to the season but also the beginning of the end for Ibarra.

The club's bankruptcy wasn't a shock to many. Players, staff, and suppliers had been waiting for payments for months. Those who were part of the team recall the disheartening journey home after the Tamaraceite match, where they had to arrange their own transport.

Despite financial struggles in previous years, no one anticipated the club's collapse, especially after Italian Mirco Capezzoli was introduced as sporting director in December 2023. He presented an ambitious plan to take the team beyond the Tercera División. In hindsight, the attempt to pursue this plan without adequate financial backing proved to be a critical error. The club's financial crisis, masked by the team's sporting success and promotion chances, came to light after the 2024/25 season.

Once the season ended, the complaints began. The players reported the issue to their union, AFE, which put the club in a difficult position: either settle its debts or lose its right to compete. Mirco Capezzoli reportedly returned to Italy, cutting off contact with those affected. The remaining local officials tried desperately to save the club, even approaching the Arona City Council, but the debt was too substantial. UD Ibarra officially withdrew from competition due to its inability to pay €140,000.

The new season started with UD Ibarra absent from all leagues, including its youth academy. While the club's license still exists, it cannot return to playing unless the debt is cleared, which seems unlikely. The void left by Ibarra has been partially filled by other local projects, such as the reappearance of CD Villamar and the establishment of a football section by Costa Sur. These new initiatives have even utilized some of Ibarra's former resources, with some youth players finding new teams. Villamar is now using Ibarra's former offices and pitch, while Costa Sur shares a stadium with another club. These efforts aim to ensure that football continues to be played in the El Fraile neighbourhood.

The players who filed complaints are now awaiting payments, expected to start in December, thanks to AFE's intervention. However, not all players had contracts, and some employees are unlikely to recover any lost earnings or receive an explanation from Capezzoli. He published a statement defending his management, claiming he invested a significant personal sum to revive Ibarra, covered back wages, and settled a bank loan. He also stated that a major sponsor, who had signed a contract, failed to provide the promised funds, despite his personal efforts to cover salaries and seek alternative investment.

Diego Maradona Sinagra remained in Tenerife briefly after the season ended before returning to Naples. He was later appointed coach of Portici 1906, a club in the fifth tier of Italian football.