LUIS RUBIALES
The president of the RFEF follows Fernández Vara and begins with thanks: “Guillermo, you don't have to thank me. I am grateful for your intervention that has made Extremadura host these Playoffs. I have to be neutral and wish everyone the same luck “Those who are here. How can I not accept your advice, Guillermo, if you keep the same simplicity. You have been up, but you continue treading the fields of sand.” I greet all the representatives, the delegate, the councilors of Badajoz, Almendralejo … Thank you all. We are very happy that you have opened the doors for us.
All of these teams have already gotten a promotion. I also address the Federation. It has been a very difficult year, how many meetings have we had … You look back and it seems that this year there have been five. We have achieved some amazing data. When we arrived, a 2ªB club received just over 20,000 from the Federation, now they are over 120,000. This is very important, in a year in which they have not been able to have an audience in the stands. Here you have shown us that following some rules you can have an audience in the stands again. When I arrived, the RFEF's income was over 150 million euros, now we are over 300 million. Although it may be complicated by the pandemic to maintain what is expected. We have expanded aid for COVID-19.
Now I turn to the clubs. Until yesterday we wait to see the last to have the privilege to come to Extremadura. 12 of them will continue with us, they have already promoted, and another four will go to professional football. The president of the Junta de Extremadura said that society changes. My daughters see what they want at all times on their table. The football of now is not the one of 30 years ago. We have an obligation to seek solutions. Changes are necessary. We have changed the Super Cup. Today it is the most watched short club competition in the world, seen in 180 countries. The Copa del Rey was eternal. The turns were not seen. Today, it is the competition that has generated the most audience together with those of the National Team. We have gained in quality.
These Playoffs were already made last year. VWe love to make them unique. Life or death is played all season. Society does not demand to go to a soccer field. Now there are infinite possibilities. These Playoffs are going to be a success. I have done the route of the Tagus, I have been in the Roman ruins … but what is hooked is the people of Extremadura “.