Hércules CF Reacts to Acquittal: 'Time to Move On'

Carlos Parodi and Valentín Botella, presidents of Hércules CF and the Hércules Foundation respectively, expressed relief and satisfaction following their acquittal in the 'Abde case'. They have chosen not to make further public statements, hoping the matter will soon be forgotten. "Only we know what our families have endured," they stated.

In an official statement, the Rico Pérez-based club urged a renewed focus on sporting matters following the acquittal by Alicante's Provincial Court of its executives, the club, and the Foundation. They had been accused of asset concealment related to the transfer fee for Ez Abde, now playing for Betis, whose €2 million release clause was paid by Barcelona.

The Alicante club received the ruling from the three judges with "utmost respect and joy," highlighting the court's conclusion that there was "no criminal conduct" by Hércules or its executives. The club emphasised its unwavering belief in its innocence, which it defended vigorously, resulting in what it described as a "just outcome". "Now it's time to move on and thank everyone who has always trusted Hércules and its management," the statement concluded.

The Public Prosecutor's Office, the Tax Agency, and private prosecutors had accused the club's executives of hiding from the Tax Agency—an entity to which Hércules owed money—the 2021 payment of the player's release clause by Barcelona. The funds were partially and regularly transferred by the Alicante club to a dormant account belonging to its Foundation.

The prosecution had sought prison sentences of three years for club president Carlos Parodi, two and a half years for Foundation president Valentín Botella, and another two and a half years for José León, vice-president and secretary of the Foundation's executive committee.

The private prosecution, representing a group of Hércules supporters, plans to thoroughly review the court's decision over the coming days before deciding whether to appeal.