RCD Mallorca fire club President Josep Pons amidst sexual harassment accusations
Spanish Primera division outfit RCD Mallorca now has to face further misery as the club president Josep Pons was accused of sexual harassment recently. Josep Pons was appointed the club president at the end of last season following the club’s financial woes
that led the club in to administration.
Josep Pons is a former Spanish diplomat who served in Austria prior to his appointment as the club president. Previously, Pons was the Spanish ambassador of Denmark, Netherlands, and Lithuania. According to reports, one of Pons former employees during his
time in Austria has now filed for sexual harassment.
The club board met last night where the decision to fire Pons was agreed upon. Vice-President Jaume Cladera has been appointed the new president with immediate effect. Pons organized a press conference last night where he protested his innocence. Pons argued
that there isn’t a single case filed against him in either Austrian or Spanish courts. He revealed that club hierarchy knew he was going to arrange a press conference to plea his innocence. “I would like to regain the position I had at Mallorca and continue
to work for the club. My colleagues have been informed about this press conference. I had to clarify my position in the wake of recent developments and that is what I am doing.”
The plea of innocence wasn’t good enough for the club, as the club had its reputation at stake. Mallorca, despite of finishing 7th in the league couldn’t play in the UEFA Europa League due to their financial woes. The club went in to administration
at the end of the season. UEFA, according to the laws, decided against the club’s participation in the European competition as a punishment and the Europa League spot was awarded to Villarreal FC. Mallorca launched an appeal with the UEFA but it was no avail.
Mallorca has started well this season stands 11th in the league, just 1 point short of Sevilla FC which stands 8th. The club will be hoping the recent controversy doesn’t affect the team’s performances in the coming days.
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