Madrid - Cash-strapped Spanish giants Valencia are casting around for ideas to reduce their massive debts.

"Los Ches", as they are known, are rumoured to be more than 100 million euros (129.27 million dollars) in debt, and are struggling to raise the necessary cash to begin the construction of their new stadium, which they are supposed to move in to in 2010.

According to sports daily Marca on Wednesday, Valencia owe 14 million euros to the construction company, and 15 million to the players and other employees, who have not been paid since December.

Embattled club president Vicente Soriano is searching for a bank that can give the club more credit.

It comes as little surprise, therefore, that Valencia are looking for new forms of income.

The club raised eyebrows on Tuesday night by announcing, on its official website, that its legendary old Mestalla stadium will be up for rent from the end of the season onwards, for weddings, baptisms, first communions and business meetings.

The club's website does not give details about the rental prices, but it is assumed that season-ticket holders will be given a discount.

The Marca sports daily quoted veteran Valencia striker Fernando Morientes as saying that "in moments of crisis, everybody needs to help, but always in a good manner for the club, not as a joke."

Valencia are currently fourth in La Liga and still in the UEFA Cup, though they have been eliminated from the King's Cup.

This is not the first time that a Spanish football giant has puts its stadium and pitch up for rent.

According to Marca, the cost of renting out Barcelona's Camp Nou pitch to have a kickaround game with friends costs 40,000 euros, while a game on Real Madrid's Estadio Bernabeu pitch costs 6,000.

Until now, however, no major Liga club has permitted weddings and baptisms to take place on their sacred turf. (dpa)