By Gareth Messenger
May 17 – Eight Spanish Primera clubs have had their UEFA licence applications turned down by the federation for failure to meet the financial conditions required to play in European competition.
Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano are two of the clubs who have been rejected, but they could appeal the decision. Both teams, in tenth and eleventh positions the league, are still in with a chance of qualifying for next season’s Europa League.
Real Valladolid, Osasuna, Granada, Zaragoza, Deportivo La Coruna and Celta Vigo all had their UEFA licences refused by The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
However, RFEF have cleared Real Betis under Ley Concursal, and Sevilla who admit they owe back wages. Malaga have also been granted a UEFA licence despite facing a 12-month ban from UEFA club competition for financial irregularities, pending an appeal taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Malaga have been allowed their licence in case their appeal to CAS is successful but the licence is only provisional until an official decision regarding their European future is revealed. A pre-condition of taking part in UEFA competition is that the teams have a license approved by their national federation.
Clubs that have been refused a license can reapply but they must meet the condition that all outstanding debts up to December 31 of the previous year have been settled.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734800735labto1734800735ofdlr1734800735owedi1734800735sni@r1734800735egnes1734800735sem.h1734800735terag1734800735. Gareth is Editor-in-Chief, www.laliganews.tv @G_Messenger