Financial concerns for Ferencváros

By Márton Dinnyés

Defending champions Ferencvárosi TC may be three points clear at the top of the Hungarian First Division but not all is going swimmingly for the 28-times champions in the winter break.

Financial worries
Despite the pre-season sale of Hungary captain Zoltán Gera to English club West Bromwich Albion FC for €2.3m and also their appearance in the UEFA Cup group stage, the Budapest club are still experiencing a shortfall of income. As a result, Ferencváros coach Csaba László has had to bid goodbye to midfield player Gábor Zavadszky, sold to Cypriot club Apollon Limassol FC.

'Not a disaster'
Also likely to leave is former Hungarian international forward Thomas Sowunmi, after travelling to Dubai for a trial, while Austrian side VfB Admira Wacker Mödling are currently trying out midfield player Igor Szkukalek. However, Ferencváros club president János Furulyás was upbeat about the dealings, saying: "It is not a disaster that we must sell some players from our huge squad as we have too many players who do not play regularly."

Bodnár departs
Across the capital, Budapest Honvéd FC are faring even worse. Eighth in the table, last month they sacked coach György Bodnár, the former Hungarian international midfielder who had only been appointed in the autumn. Lajos Szurgent has taken the reins as caretaker coach for the fourth time, having been working with the youth set-up.

Players move abroad
Another departure from Budapest is Vasas SC top scorer István Ferenczi. The 27-year-old has joined Turkish side Rizespor on a three-year contract, and leaves behind a side by no means free from relegation worries. Meanwhile, Györi ETO FC midfield anchorman Gábor Vincze has been loaned to Scotland's Livingston FC until the end of the season.