Jon Uriarte Uranga yesterday became the thirty-third president in the history of Athletic. The businessman and entrepreneur from Bilbao beat Iñaki Arechabaleta and Ricardo Barkala at the polls. The youngest candidate of the three who attended the rojiblanco elections, with just turned 44 years old, returned to make good the tradition that, coincidentally, Aitor Elizegi, his predecessor in office, took it upon himself to break three and a half years ago.
This time yes, this time the winner of what is considered the ‘primary’ in Bilbao (the presentation of signatures to endorse the candidacy of the candidates for the Ibaigane chair) was also proclaimed the winner at the polls. 40,257 members had the right to vote and 22,689 exercised it, which represents a 56.36% participation. Uriarte added 10,979 votes (46.71%), Iñaki Arechabaleta 7,927 (33.72%) and Ricardo Barkala 4,262 (18.13%).
The intense election day experienced within Athletic changed the scenario this time. The new San Mamés came to replace the Ibaigane Palace itself. The organization of those responsible for the Bilbao club bordered on perfection both for the Atletico members and fans as well as for the components of the three candidates and the media themselves.
Result of the votes for the presidency of Athletic
The rojiblancos members had voted for the last time on December 27, 2018. That night Elizegi beat Uribe-Echevarría with 9,264 votes (47.90%) and Uribe-Echevarría 9,179 (47.46%). On that occasion, 41,354 associates had the right to go to the polls and 19,060 exercised their right, which meant a 46% turnout, a percentage somewhat different from the 62% that took part in the July 2011 elections, when Urrutia beat García Macua.
Fresh air
The declaration of intentions of the new head of Athletic was evident from the very start of his campaign. His irruption in the electoral arena coincided with the final whistle of the last game of the season between the lions and Sevilla at Pizjuán. “I have a personal and professional life with many projects and if my team and I are taking this step, it is out of a sense of responsibility, because we see that Athletic, which has a very solid base, is experiencing negative inertia that is endangering the institution and we think that it has to be transformed, that it needs fresh air”.
Uriarte did not have too much time to collect the signatures that would certify his candidacy, but even so, with an original virtual accountant, he gained supporters until he clearly surpassed both Arechabaleta and Barkala. The first ‘surprise’ of these red and white elections was not so much yesterday because, according to the previous days, it seemed clear that this squad had well-founded options to come out the winner at the polls.
Not even the toll paid as a result of the Carlos Aviña affair, his bet for the club’s soccer management, including the women’s section, took its toll on the level of followers. Uriarte, in fact, attended these elections yesterday without presenting any professional in said position. A fact that speaks clearly of the confidence that the rojiblancos partners have in their ability to manoeuvre. His message has caught on.
Athletic, in short, experienced an intense election day yesterday. The rojiblancas family showed their preferences when choosing Elizegi’s substitute. Uriarte is already president, but, as is often said in the world of football, the difficult thing is not to arrive, but to stay. He has four years to manage with his particular style.
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