Del Nido begins seven year prison sentence

Former Sevilla FC president Jose Maria del Nido, who was sentenced to seven years in prison for embezzling public funds in the ‘Caso Minutas,’ began his sentence this week.

The lawyer and ex-president of Sevilla’s football club was charged alongside former Marbella mayor Julian Muñoz, who is already serving time for another corruption conviction.

Del Nido said he expects to come out of prison “stronger than ever.”

His conviction came in 2011 after charging the Marbella Council €2.7 million worth of services between 1999-2003 that were never delivered.

The conviction was upheld against del Nido last year by the Supreme Court despite del Nido’s request for pardon and a support campaign to which thousands had signed up to express support.

His original seven-and-a-half-year sentence was reduced to an even seven years.

Del Nido resigned from his role with Sevilla FC last December.

His voluntary appearance at Sevilla prison on Wednesday morning happened after he had been told to show up to begin his sentence or face being taken by force.