"No news, good news," goes the proverb. It's a shame the deafening silence surrounding Olbia doesn't factor into the matter, with the tug-of-war over the change of ownership between Turkish owner Murat Yilmaz and the only current contender, real estate developer Roberto Sulas, who is proceeding quietly, and the players on a war footing due to a situation of total uncertainty deemed unsustainable.
It appears that the team, which returned to the pitch yesterday at the Nespoli stadium to prepare for Sunday's home match against Flaminia Civitacastellana, a matchday eight fixture in Serie D, has confirmed its availability until Sunday. After that, unless there are changes at the club level, training will be suspended.
It's not out of the question that the players might decide to put Olbia Calcio in default, falling behind in some cases by at least two and a half salaries (June and September, and part of August for those reappointed). Not to mention the other employees, the administrative and warehouse workers, for whom, aside from a deposit, the last monthly payment is that of April, and the suppliers, who could suspend services and, perhaps, file for bankruptcy.
In terms of euros raised to cover current expenses, the Olbia Calcio Support Fund stands at €12,587, and season tickets subscribed are €312. On Sunday, the team plays in Olbia, the following one in Budoni, and the next one back at the Nespoli stadium against bottom club Ischia, who were defeated 4-0 in the last round by Flaminia Civitacastellana. At least travel expenses won't be a problem for a while, but the Gallura club's coffers are stretched thin, and so are their employees' patience.
How all this could remain off the table is unknown. Likewise, the question remains as to why the Yilmaz-Sulas deal—€700,000 on the line, a property in the Swiss canton of Valais (where Sulas's company is supposedly based), worth approximately €400,000 plus the assumption of Olbia Calcio's debts, valued at around €4 million—hasn't been finalized, especially since the parties are disclosing little or nothing. The hope is that the silence is indicative of a final agreement: the alternative would be disastrous.
