Rafael Nadal Hits Back At Special Treatment Claims By Mayor In His Home Town - UBITENNIS

Rafael Nadal Hits Back At Special Treatment Claims By Mayor In His Home Town

The king of clay is involved in a spat with the elected official over his academy.

By Adam Addicott
3 Min Read

World No.1 Rafael Nadal has issued an open letter in response to allegations that he was given ‘favoured treatment’ during the construction of his academy in Manacor.

The mayor of Manacor, Miquel Oliver, has suggested that special changes were made to certain legislation in order for the tennis complex to be built in the region back in 2016. Accusing the 19-time grand slam champion of ‘living outside the municipality.’ The Rafa Nadal Sports Centre features 26 tennis courts on a variety of surfaces, a fitness centre, wellness spa and 7-a-side football pitch. It is run by Nadal’s former coach and Uncle Toni Nadal.

“Illegal it is not, but that does not mean that a law has been made on purpose to carry out that work.” Cadena SER quoted Oliver as saying.

Oliver states that he is happy the complex is located in his home town, however, he is not in favour of what he calls ‘a la carte Urbanism.’

In the wake of the comments, Nadal has issued an open letter to local media website Manacor Noticias. In it, he labelled Oliver’s comments as ‘offensive’ and denied any wrongdoing. He also said claims the academy is yet to pay any IBI (property tax) are ‘completely false.’

“Honestly, having to read and listen to this is very offensive and painful. Perhaps there are people who do not like the way I have taken the name of Manacor all over the world, but I think there is no doubt that I have tried to do it in the best possible way,” Nadal wrote.

In a direct response to allegations of favouritism by the local government, the 32-year-old argues that the construction of his academy was done in a ‘democratic way.’ At present, the facility employs just over 300 people.

“I feel privileged, since the parliamentary majority considered in a democratic way that this strategic project for Mallorca would be much stronger if it was carried out while I was active (still playing tennis), since the impact would multiply.”

There appear to be no signs of an agreement being reached between Nadal and his local mayor anytime soon. Following the release of the letter, Oliver questioned its authenticity and implied the tennis player may not have wrote it himself.

“I doubt very much that the letter Rafa has published was written by him in person.” He said on radio show El Larguero.

Nadal, who is the year-end No.1 for the fifth time in his career, will return to action later this month at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. The three-day exhibition event will get underway on December 19th.

TAGGED:
Leave a comment