How a Balearic football club rose from the ashes of a defunct predecessor
In short: Founded in 2015, UD Ibiza emerged from the remnants of a folded club to become a professional force in Spanish football. By settling old debts and navigating administrative pathways, the team rapidly ascended through the divisions, eventually reaching the second tier and hosting giants like FC Barcelona at home.
The story of UD Ibiza began in 2015 when former Valencia CF president Amadeo Salvo established the club as a revival of the defunct UD Ibiza-Eivissa. To secure the identity of the previous organization, the new entity paid off €50,000 in outstanding debts to the Royal Spanish Football Federation and the regional Balearic federation. This strategic foundation allowed the club to begin its journey in the regional leagues before securing promotion to the Tercera División in June 2017.
The club's rise was marked by both on-field performance and administrative maneuvering. In August 2018, Ibiza secured an administrative promotion to the third level by paying the debts of Lorca FC after the federation blocked that club's participation. By May 2021, the team achieved a historic milestone, reaching the Segunda División after defeating UCAM Murcia in a promotion play-off final. To meet the requirements of the professional league, the club transitioned into a Sociedad Anónima Deportiva with an initial capital of €700,000.
During its time in the professional ranks, the club gained attention for its competitive spirit in the Copa del Rey. In the 2019–20 season, they led FC Barcelona for much of their round of 32 match before ultimately falling 1–2. The following year, they secured a notable 5–2 victory over top-flight side Celta Vigo. Despite these highs, the club's tenure in the second division lasted only two seasons. Following a 1–0 defeat to Racing Santander in April 2023, the team was relegated to the Primera Federación, where they continue to play at the 6,000-capacity Estadi Municipal de Can Misses.
The club's management has been as dynamic as its league status. Manager Juan Carlos Carcedo, who orchestrated the 2021 promotion, was dismissed in December of that year after a winless streak. His successor, Paco Jémez, successfully guided the team to a 15th-place finish to avoid relegation, though he was not retained for the following season. These shifts reflect the high-pressure environment of professional Spanish football as the club seeks to maintain its footing in the national system.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: UD Ibiza
- Also: Wikidata — UD Ibiza · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — UD Ibiza-Eivissa · CC0
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