Background and Relevance of the Mexican Investors
After 24 years, Real Oviedo has secured promotion to the top-tier of Spanish football, LaLiga. The team’s structure is backed by Mexican entrepreneurs through Grupo Pachuca and Grupo Carso.
Grupo Pachuca’s Involvement
Led by Jesús Martínez since 2022, Grupo Pachuca acquired 71% of Real Oviedo’s shares, leaving 29% for minority shareholders. Their strategic management has resulted in the team’s successful promotion to LaLiga after three seasons.
Sporting Director Arturo Elias Ayub’s Tribute
Arturo Elias Ayub, Director of Strategic Alliances and Content at America Movil and Director of Fundación Telmex, shared his experience: “It all started with a prank phone call 12 years ago and thousands of tweets pleading to save a third-division team in Spain from disappearing. After witnessing the fans’ passion, I shared their story with Carlos Slim, who said, ‘Let them in; we can’t let such a dedicated fanbase die.’ He was right. Together, we made it happen. We climbed to the second division, celebrated, and endured hardships together. Eventually, I told them we’d remain partners but entrusted the team to capable hands for LaLiga promotion. Congratulations, Jesús Martínez and Grupo Pachuca; the team has earned its place in LaLiga.”
Financial Investment and Improvements
In August 2022, Grupo Pachuca, already a majority shareholder, initiated a capital increase of 3.7 million euros to address Real Oviedo’s salary cap issues and player acquisitions, as per the Official Bulletin of the Commercial Registry (Borme).
Grupo Pachuca and Grupo Carso’s Portfolio
Grupo Pachuca, with over 25 years in the sports industry, owns Tuzos del Pachuca, Club León, and Everton de Viña del Mar (Chile). They have established the Universidad del Fútbol y Ciencias del Deporte, Centro de Excelencia Médica en Altura (Cema), and the Football World’s Hall of Fame.
Grupo Carso purchased Real Oviedo in 2012 for approximately 2 million euros, acquiring a club burdened with debts from previous management.
Mexican Investment in Spanish Football
Real Oviedo is not the only Spanish club under Mexican ownership. Grupo Orlegi owns Sporting de Gijón in the second division, having paid 43 million euros for 73% of the club.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the Mexican investors involved in Real Oviedo? Grupo Pachuca, led by Jesús Martínez, and Grupo Carso.
- What was the financial investment made by Grupo Pachuca in 2022? A capital increase of 3.7 million euros to address salary cap issues and player acquisitions.
- What other Spanish football clubs are owned by Mexican investors? Grupo Orlegi owns Sporting de Gijón in the second division.
- What is the background of Grupo Pachuca and Grupo Carso in sports? Both have extensive experience in the sports industry, with Grupo Pachuca owning Tuzos del Pachuca, Club León, and Everton de Viña del Mar (Chile). Grupo Carso previously owned Real Oviedo, which was in a complex situation due to inherited debts.
