UEFA came down hard on Malaga on Friday, fining the Spanish
outfit €300,000 and banning them from
every European competition for one year. It was a devastating blow for a side
that has performed tremendously in the Champions League and is on pace to
finish in the top four in La Liga this season.
The punishment was
handed down by UEFA's Club Financial Control Body for Malaga having outstanding
debts to the taxman, players and other clubs. The committee has also warned of
further penalties should the Anchovies fail to change their business practices
and produce proof that they have zero overdue payments.
Regardless of
their league position in the next four seasons, the ban restricts Malaga from
competing in any UEFA competition for a single cycle, but, an additional year
could be added if the evidence requested is not presented by March.
Malaga did receive
some good news, as they will still be allowed to compete in this season's
Champions League and their match in the last 16 against FC Porto will go ahead
as scheduled. Also, the prize money earned for making it out of the group stage
will be released by UEFA after it was frozen temporarily by European football's
governing body as a precaution.
Despite being
owned by a Qatari billionaire, the funds were desperately needed by the
cash-strapped club.
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