Does politics have to step in?
ESAF sponsors do not want to pay for the financial gap
The organizers of the federal wrestling festival hoped for the help of their sponsors to cover the debts of several million. But these get in the way.
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The ESAF organizers continue to fight against the million-dollar hole in the cash register.
The shock came about three months after the Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Festival (ESAF) in Pratteln: the organizers had a two to four million franc hole in their coffers. The budget of 42 million was blown. OC President Thomas Weber said at the time that discussions were being sought with all partners in order to find a solution. However, these seem to have no interest in paying the debt.
As a survey by “SRF” shows, three of the six royal partners are opposed. Among them the Feldschlösschen brewery. «It is not our task to become the deficit guarantor of events. We can’t afford that in general, »says spokeswoman Gaby Gerber. Migros and Swisscom have also rejected the ESAF organizers. The other partners have not yet decided whether they want to give the Schwingfest a helping hand.
Canton could help out
Despite the cancellation of several sponsors, Weber remains confident. “The goal of the OC Presidential Committee is still to present a balanced final statement in March 2023. To this end, we are currently holding numerous talks that will continue for a few weeks. We intend to provide information again afterwards, »explains the OC President.
As an alternative, a political way out is currently being examined. Should further sponsors drop out, the canton of Basel-Landschaft could step in as a helping hand. The Board of Governors is currently examining this deal. One thing is clear: the ESAF organizers must present a solution promptly, otherwise bankruptcy could threaten. (mab)