Controversy over the retirement of Jairo Arboleda, idol of Deportivo Cali

Globe Live Media, Monday, January 25, 2021

A whole discussion has generated the departure of more than one member of the Deportivo Cali staff, including the historic Jairo ‘Maestrico’ Arboleda who was champion with the club in 1970 and 1974. According to the president of the institution Marco Caicedo, the determination was made in favor of the club’s sustainability.

The leader confirmed that it was a difficult decision to make but that it was necessary for the viability of the project, since they are not the only club in Colombia that is going through a difficult time in economic matters, the covid-19 pandemic has forced more than a company to cut staff and Deportivo Cali was no stranger to this.

“These are circumstantial circumstances in which we are involved this time by the pandemic, since last year we were analyzing a restructuring in the entire quarry area. These are measures that we have to take for the sake of the viability of the institution. Sometimes you have to make difficult decisions, not only in football but in the world, ”Caicedo explained on the Caracol Radio program Carrusel Caracol.

According to the leader, the quarrying area and the administrative area were restructured by 30%. This in order to be more efficient and to be able to optimize the resources that are often seen are short due to the crisis generated by the pandemic.

However, the way in which one of the greatest idols of the sugar team was fired has been controversial, since he was not informed of the decision and, according to the words of the former player himself, there was a date of return to start the new season.

“We finished the year and they told us that we would return on January 12, the day arrived and suddenly they were thinking of holding a face-to-face meeting. At around 7 in the morning I was ready to leave for Pance and they called me and said no because it was better to be safe and it was better that we not go. That was their decision, ”said Jairo Arboleda for the same outlet.

According to the team president, the quarry area and the administrative area were restructured by 30%. 

According to the legendary footballer, he was once able to approach the facilities spoke with Cesar Hernández, director of the minor divisions, and he explained that his continuity was very difficult due to the situation of the team and that he had to make a cut because there was no money to pay salaries.

Regarding the facts, the president of the Verdiblanca squad argued that, despite Arboleda’s departure, they will always thank him for the good he did and contributed to the shield.

“We make very tough decisions because maestro Arboleda has been a fundamental person in the history of Deportivo Cali as a player and coach, he is a person to whom we owe and we are completely grateful for all his years of service and contributions. We wish him the best for him and that he can continue his life enjoying his pension. They are difficult decisions but we had to make ”, he added.

Through this statement they announced their departure:

According to Arboleda, he has already been a pensioner for ten years and from the club they tried to suggest that they were giving them the pension for their departure, a fact that was not possible. He added that in his opinion they lacked elegance because they have not yet received a dismissal letter, much less the corresponding settlement.

As confirmed by President Caicedo, it is planned to make a farewell tribute to Jairo Arboleda for his entire life dedicated to Deportivo Cali. “We have to pay tribute to ‘Maestro’ Arboleda for what he means, but it was a very difficult decision and we are eternally grateful. We are going to pay him a very heartfelt tribute because he must leave through the front door, how he should “, he assured.