Following his recent re-election, José Juan Arencibia embarks on a new term as president of the Royal Interinsular Football Federation of Las Palmas, aiming to continue the project initiated in 2022. The proposed model is one of continuity and ambition, with a focus on the 2030 World Cup, for which the Gran Canaria Stadium will serve as a venue.
Arencibia expressed his enthusiasm for continuing to promote football in the province, highlighting the significant changes implemented at all levels. He noted that the federation is unique in encompassing all sports modalities and aims to maintain this inclusivity. "We are leaving a lasting legacy within Canarian football," he stated, emphasizing the modification of subsidy models and the remarkable growth of women's football, which has increased from 400 to 2,000 licenses. Furthermore, over 800 grants have been awarded, and major events like the Queen's Cup Final have been hosted.
The new term will focus on consolidating progress, maintaining close relationships with clubs, and enhancing flexibility in player signings. The launch of a federated portal and strengthening ties with sponsors, such as Raúl Asencio and Jonathan Viera, are also planned.
Regarding new aid initiatives, plans include expanding support to all groups, leveraging funds from the Spanish Super Cup and television rights allocated to grassroots football. The Foundation will continue to finance programs like Football without Limits and Walking Football, with support from the Insular Institute of Sports and the Government of the Canary Islands.
Concerning the renovations at the Gran Canaria Stadium for the 2030 World Cup, Arencibia conveyed confidence, assuring that the reform is progressing as planned and that UD Las Palmas will be able to continue playing without significant interruptions. The stadium is expected to be completed between January and May 2029, meeting FIFA's deadlines.
Arencibia's involvement in key commissions of the Spanish Federation, including the Economic and Infrastructure Commissions, brings prestige and facilitates collaboration with mainland Spain. "This level of closeness with the President gives us significant prestige here in the Canary Islands," he remarked.
On the growth of women's football, Arencibia anticipates rapid development, highlighting the record attendance at the recent Queen's Cup Final held in Gran Canaria. The Gran Canaria Stadium is also being considered to host the 2031 Women's Champions League Final and potentially a Conference League Final.
The official designation as a Royal Interinsular Federation is seen as a significant endorsement ahead of the entity's centenary in 2026, an milestone anticipated to be celebrated with an audience with the King.
There is a drive towards greater professionalization of the federation's structures, including the hiring of permanent staff such as lawyers. Plans are also underway for an institutional visit to the Vatican, following Pope Leo XIV's greeting in Gran Canaria.
Club satisfaction with the federation's management is reportedly high, according to Arencibia's perception among the 120 assembly members. Regarding UD Las Palmas' failure to achieve promotion, he described it as "very tough" but expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and confidence in their return to the First Division "sooner rather than later."
