Subsidy Timing Shift Proposed for 2028

Eduard Pujol, Junts candidate for mayor of Vilafranca del Penedès, has proposed moving the payment of municipal sports subsidies to September, aligning them with the start of the sporting season. Currently, clubs receive funding around June, often months before the new season begins. Under the current system, the total municipal sports subsidy budget stands at €357,249, with €273,249 allocated as targeted grants and €84,000 distributed through open calls, according to Junts’ proposal.

Double Subsidy Planned for 2028

As part of a plan dubbed 'Fórmula Junts', Pujol says that in September 2028, sports clubs would receive both their regular annual subsidy and an additional extraordinary payment, effectively doubling their funding for that year. This measure is also intended to include cultural associations.

It’s common sense. It makes no sense for a club to receive money in June if the season starts the following September.

Pujol argues the change would prevent club officials from having to use personal funds to cover early-season expenses. He cited the difficulty of finding volunteers willing to commit both time and personal money to community organisations.

Future Payments to Align with Season Start

From 2028 onward, Pujol proposes that all regular subsidies be paid each September, ensuring financial support coincides with the period when clubs incur most of their costs. This would mean sports clubs receive five subsidy payments over a four-year term instead of four. The delay until 2028, rather than 2027, is due to the municipal budget cycle. Pujol explained that if elected after the May 2027 elections, the 2027 budget would already have been set, making it impossible to shift payments that year.

Simplified Access and Broader Support

Pujol also pledged to create a single digital window for sports clubs and associations to streamline application processes. He stressed the importance of supporting grassroots organisations, particularly those working with children and young people, calling their work 'essential throughout the year'. The proposal has not yet been adopted by Vilafranca’s municipal government. The current 2026 budget, approved in December 2025, allocates funding across key areas including sports, culture, and social action, but maintains the existing mid-season payment schedule.

Reported by elcargol.com, vilafranca.cat, seu-e.cat, TAO, seu.vilafranca.cat, El 3 de Vuit.