Majorcanism takes hold honor Miquel Contestí thanks to the spontaneous actions of fans and former players who wish to perform living tribute to the longest-serving president in the history of Mallorca, than to their 91 years old He is in poor health, but he still follows the news of the club which he saved from disappearance in 1978, when the light, water and even electricity were cut off.
The Vermilion Club has not taken any action in this regard at this time, but it should demonstrate the sensitivity necessary to recognize a great character during the 108 years of existence of the entity.
Response from MiquelHe arrived in Mallorca in the summer of 1978 while in the Third Division, devoured by a debt that continued to grow by the day and unable to recruit professional players due to an express ban from the Spanish Federation , because he owed a lot of return. salaries to old squads. In this scenario, with electricity, water and gas at Lluís Sitjar stadium cut off for non-paymentLlucmajor’s lawyer, then 45 years old, took the step that no one had dared and became president succeeding the Manager who presided Miquel Cardell.
Meeting with the President of the Spanish Federation Pablo Porta through the mediation of the Majorcan journalist Michael Vidaleditor-in-chief of Diario As, He obtained from the Federation itself to grant him an interest-free loan. in Mallorca so that the competition can begin, although, yes, with the personal approval of Contestí himself and on the condition that the money is not managed by the club, but by the Balearic Federation.
This was the starting point of the thirteen years in which Mallorca achieved three promotions to the First Division and played in the first Copa del Rey final of its history. The team returned to the top flight in 1983 after a 13-year absence and finished the League in 1987 in sixth place, which was their best ever finish. A small miracle thanks to the work and grace of Contestí and his managers who, of course, They have always worked for Mallorca in an absolutely selfless manner.
In December 1991, with the First Division team, Miquel Contestí presented his irrevocable resignation due to his opposition to the imposition of the Superior Sports Councilwhich forced clubs to become sports limited liability companies. Before leaving, yes, he personally approved the signatures of Vlada Stošić And Goran Milojevic.
Miquel Contestí never held a managerial position in Mallorca again. It came close several times, but ultimately it didn’t come to fruition. Since then, he has worked as a commentator in different media and has always maintained its critical line towards sports joint stock companies. Today, at 91, he can no longer go to Son Moix to watch the matches, but he follows them attentively from his home.
There are few people on the island more deserving of tribute than Miquel Contestí. Mallorca is obliged to pay living tribute to the oldest president in its history. Failure to do so would be an absolute lack of respect and injustice.
The 13 seasons of Contestí
- 78-79: Third division (13th)
- 79-80: Third division (champion and promotion)
- 80-81: Second Division B (champion and promotion)
- 81-82: Second division (6th)
- 82-83: Second division (3rd and promotion)
- 83-84: First Division (17th and descent)
- 84-85: Second division (7th)
- 85-86: Second division (3rd and promotion)
- 86-87: First Division (6th)
- 87-88: First Division (18th and descent)
- 88-89: Second division (4th and promotion)
- 89-90: First Division (10th)
- 90-91: First Division (13th and Cup finalist)
- 91-92: First Division (20º and descent)
