Spanish honeymooners detained in Singapore for football protest

Newlyweds held in Singapore over football protest.

A Spanish couple on their honeymoon in Singapore have found themselves detained following a protest against the owner of their beloved football club. The couple, Dani Cuesta and Mireia Sáez, were reportedly trying to board a flight to Bali when they were stopped by Singaporean authorities, who confiscated their passports.

Mr Cuesta, a vocal critic of Valencia CF’s owner, Peter Lim, had earlier posted images online showing him holding a banner that read “Lim Go Home”. These photos were taken at various locations around Singapore, including what is believed to be outside Mr Lim’s residence. Valencia fans, who have been increasingly critical of Mr Lim’s ownership, were quick to support the couple’s actions, sharing their photos across social media.

The couple’s protest, which involved placing stickers and holding banners, might seem harmless in many countries, but Singapore has some of the strictest laws on public assembly in the world. Even a gathering of a single person can be considered illegal without the necessary permits. The Singaporean government has defended these strict regulations as vital for maintaining public order and safety.

On Friday, the couple was stopped at the airport, and their situation remains unresolved. Singaporean authorities have not disclosed the charges, if any, they might face, though the BBC understands a resolution could come soon. Maria José Catalá, the mayor of Valencia, has confirmed that the Spanish embassy in Singapore is actively involved and offering assistance to the couple.

Despite the uncertainty, Cuesta had initially joked about not wanting his honeymoon to end with him in a Singaporean prison. Yet, as tensions rose, the reality of the situation became clear. The couple, although not imprisoned, are now unable to leave Singapore while the investigation continues.

The protest stems from years of growing discontent among Valencia CF supporters towards Peter Lim’s ownership. Once a competitive club challenging for titles in Spain and Europe, Valencia has faced a significant decline since Lim’s acquisition in 2014. Fans have particularly criticised Lim’s close association with football agent Jorge Mendes, accusing him of influencing the club’s recruitment decisions, which many believe have led to the team’s current struggles.

In response to the couple’s detainment, Libertad VCF, a Valencia fan group, expressed full support for Cuesta and Sáez. The group condemned the actions of Singaporean authorities, stating that the couple’s freedom of movement had been unjustly restricted for peacefully expressing their views.

Valencia CF itself has also commented on the situation, stating that they are in contact with the Spanish embassy in Singapore and are working to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.