Last week, respected Spanish football expert Sid Lowe brought to light the current financial situation regarding Real Oviedo. The Segunda Division B outfit, despite its history in La Liga, was going through a horrific plight off the pitch and there were ever growing fears that the club could cease to exist.
As a result, shares within the club were put up for sale. The club, desperate to secure the financial backing of a wealthy owner, was to allow fans the chance to own part of the club. Around 1.9m were put up for sale, through either the official site or via paypal.
The response, as of the last time one checked, has been remarkable. Fans across Twitter have been alerted to the difficulties of Oviedo and, as a result, have begun purchasing shares in the Spanish site at an expediential rate, myself included.
But it wasn’t just football fans that invested in the club. Former stars and current Premier League trio Michu, Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata have all made donations to help ease the burden currently placed upon the shoulders of the historic club.
It is a testimony to those that care about football, not just Oviedo, that they are willing to delve into their own pockets for the good of the club. As a result, the club insist that the new shareholders will be entitled to free tickets to watch them play in future encounters, a stipulation that many across the world will likely take advantage of due to the money that has been pumped back into the club.
At present, shares are still available for purchase, which have been snapped up hastily by those that care about the future of Oviedo and with it, has seen the Spanish side become a club of the people.