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Founding Member (Socio Fundador)

Person who signs the founding minutes of the club along with the other promoters, expressing the will to incorporate it.

Definition

A founding member is each of the people who sign the founding minutes of the club at incorporation. Their name, ID and signature are recorded in the document and, subsequently, at the regional registry of sports entities. Founder status is historical and immutable: once the club is incorporated, no one can be 'added' as a founder afterwards — only as an ordinary member.

Legally, their rights and duties are the same as those of any ordinary member (attending the general meeting, voting, being eligible for office, paying fees, accessing documentation). Statutes may optionally grant founders some honorary recognition (for instance, listing on the website or preferential treatment at institutional events) — but not economic privileges.

When does it apply?

Applies only at incorporation. Beyond that, founders follow the general member regime. The status is evidenced by showing a copy of the founding minutes or by querying the regional registry. If a founder leaves the club, they remain a historical founder but lose their member rights.

Practical example

When C.F. Aluvión was founded in 2018, six people signed. Ten years later only three remain active members; the others left or passed away. The club's website lists all six founding members historically as recognition — but only the three active ones have voting rights at the general meeting.

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