The financial situation of Prva Liga club HNK Rijeka is devastating: the players are waiting for their salaries to be paid since 3, in some cases since 4 months. It doesn’t appear as though the player’s salary decrease has done much to alleviate the million Kuna debts lurking over Rijeka. Unconfirmed sources are saying that as an evident from last year’s club accounts, the chairman, managers, coaches and players was subject to an up to 30% salary drop, following a rather unprofitable 2006-07 financial year that brought more less than € 1million to the club.

The club’s financial turmoil can only be alleviated by selling players, contravene to the set goals for the upcoming season. Without qualifying for an international tournament further financial gaps are preprogrammed. Ahmad Sharbini, the older brother of Anas Sharbini has now spoken to ‘jutarnji’, pointing out the fatal situation in one sentence: “Brother, leave the club”.

“Hopefully a transfer of Anas could at least improve the financial situation. Sure, it’s impossible to replace him for Rijeka and I love him – but to be honest: we can’t afford him to stay.” Sharbini said. However “we need two strong additions for the wings [...] but the club administration owes us 3 or 4 months. Especially for me as the captain of the team, the one who’s represent the team to the public, who’s leading the team on the pitch this is a tough situation. The president [Ivan Vanja Frančišković] promised to pay the first cheques on our return from the training camp Pohorje, Maribor – which is tomorrow”.

“Anas department could, at least temporary, save the club. He and his agent are speaking on the phone a lot. Even our team mates are showing big respect and understanding for Anas. I for myself can’t really say whether I stay or not but I tend to stay, even in this financially wise bad situation – but I still see potential for development in the squad. I’m dreaming for titles and with more money this could be possible, could.”

HNSLatest.com will report more stories on the widening gap between rich and poor in the Prva HNL in the next few days and weeks until the kick-off of the 2009/10 season – so keep checking back!

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