10-10-2024 (SINGAPORE) A Spanish couple’s romantic honeymoon in Singapore has taken an unforeseen twist, thrusting them into the centre of an international incident involving one of Spain’s most prominent football clubs. Dani Cuesta and Mireia Saez, aged 34 and 30 respectively, find themselves assisting Singaporean authorities with investigations following their protest against Peter Lim, the Singaporean owner of Valencia CF.
The Singapore Police Force confirmed on Wednesday that a report had been lodged against the Spanish nationals, whose passports have been impounded as the investigation unfolds. The couple’s impromptu demonstration, which occurred at various locations across the city-state, has inadvertently extended their stay in Singapore indefinitely.
Valencia’s mayor, Maria Jose Catala, disclosed that she had been in communication with Spain’s ambassador to Singapore regarding the couple’s predicament. According to Catala, while the newlyweds are not facing formal charges, they are unable to leave the country due to the ongoing police inquiry. “They can leave the hotel and are living a relatively normal life in Singapore, but they cannot depart the country,” Catala explained to Spanish radio listeners.
The protest that sparked this diplomatic quandary involved Cuesta displaying a black and yellow banner emblazoned with the message “Lim Go Home” at several iconic Singaporean locations, including the Esplanade and Marina Bay. Perhaps most controversially, Cuesta was photographed outside Abelia condominium at Ardmore Park, a property believed to be owned by Lim himself.
Hotel Abelia, propietario Peter Lim! Muy feo por cierto.. pic.twitter.com/Fc6QqQykT4
— Dani cuesta (@daaanii1414) October 3, 2024
Peter Lim, one of Singapore’s wealthiest individuals, acquired Valencia CF in 2014. His tenure as owner has been marred by growing discontent among the club’s fanbase, who have questioned numerous decisions ranging from the sale of star players to the frequent changing of managers and contentious stadium plans. The club’s current 18th place position in LaLiga has only exacerbated tensions.
In response to the incident, Valencia CF issued a statement on Tuesday, affirming that both the club and the LaLiga Office are in contact with the Spanish embassy in Singapore. The statement expressed hope for a “best and quickest outcome” to the situation, emphasising that diplomatic channels are being utilised to provide assistance to the couple.
