Exclusive | Rodrigo Rosso: "The monthly deficit stands at $300,000" | OneFootball

The treasurer of Club Atlético Unión gave an extensive interview on the ADN program on Radio Gol 96.7, where he detailed the delicate financial situation of the institution. He explained the need for the "Club Day Bonus" against Boca, the conflict with Racing over Nardoni, and the million-dollar cost of maintaining a club with multiple disciplines.

In conversation with Darío Pignata, Rodrigo Rosso did not mince words when describing the current economic state of the "Tatengue." The official acknowledged that the scenario is complex and that implementing the bonus for the next match is a measure of subsistence. "We have made the decision, we know it is not a very popular measure, but well, necessary for the club's finances," he stated regarding the $20,000 fee that members will have to pay.

The "Club Day Bonus" and relief for families

Rosso justified charging the bonus against Boca Juniors as an indispensable resource for day-to-day operations. However, he emphasized that they sought to protect the younger members: "Members under 17 do not pay the bonus, they enter for free, understanding that we need to provide relief to families."

Amid speculation about the destination of these funds, the treasurer clarified that they do not have a single purpose: "Many say this bonus is to lift the inhibition or pay salaries... it will be used to meet a lot of obligations the club has on a daily basis."

A structural deficit and the weight of television

One of the most striking points of the interview was the revelation of the gap between income and expenses. Rosso explained that "today the monthly financial deficit is $300,000" and that modern football demands an expensive structure that includes medical staff, transportation, and food. He also pointed out that income from broadcasting rights has become misaligned: "Today with television you only pay 60% of the salaries... the rest you have to cover."

The urgency of selling and the conflict with Racing

To balance the accounts, Rosso was blunt in saying that "all clubs in Argentina balance their finances with sales... you absolutely have to sell," estimating that Unión needs net income of between 3 and 3.5 million dollars annually.

In this context, he criticized the lack of transparency from Racing Club regarding the transfers of former Tatengue players: "In the case of Nardoni, we have absolutely no information." Regarding "Rocky" Balboa, he illustrated the difference between gross amounts and what actually reaches the club: "We were informed of one million dollars gross... net it's 600 thousand. For Unión, with much luck, we will receive 120 thousand dollars."

Capital investments vs. infrastructure works

The treasurer highlighted the importance of purchasing the Casa Unión property, although he admitted its impact on other projects. "The investment in Casa Unión is 1.6 million dollars that we have to pay... it requires redirecting resources that were intended for one purpose to another." This caused projects like the upper tier of the Pujato stand to be postponed: "The issue of works is delayed over time, but with the hope of being able to do it."

The club as a social and sports institution

Finally, Rosso defended the comprehensive management of the institution, beyond the results of the first team. "Today football is not like it used to be, where it's a coach with a whistle, four cones, and 10 balls... it's much more complex." He recalled that the club supports multiple activities that require constant funding: "Unión opens the doors at 6 in the morning and closes at 12 at night with a multitude of disciplines that we have to fulfill."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.