UEFA have tonight shown the way to other football authorities by kicking Real Mallorca out of the Europa League.
Despite finishing fifth in La Liga last season, and missing out on the Champions League by one place, Mallorca have been refused entry to UEFA competition after going into administration with debt of €70m.
The move follows on from the non-admittance of Portsmouth to the Europa League despite finishing runners-up to Chelsea in the FA Cup.
Portsmouth were a continual embarrassment to the English game last season as the FA crossed their fingers that they would complete their fixtures despite going into administration and being deducted 10 points which sealed their relegation.
UEFA are intent on bringing in financial governance to their competitions, with a knock on effect throughout the European game, in order to maintain some sort of level playing field.
The debt created by clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool is frowned upon by UEFA who have decided to get tough on Mallorca for going in to voluntary administration in May.
UEFA’s stated: “On the basis of all expert reviews which have been undertaken, the control and disciplinary body ruled that the club does not fulfil the necessary admission criteria.”
Mallorca may appeal against the ruling and have three days to decide on their next step.
Their website stated: “UEFA’s decision is quite surprising in substance and form.
“The club will consider legal steps to follow upon receipt of the resolution in its entirety.
“RCD Mallorca deeply regrets the disappointment that UEFA’s decision (which is unprecedented and not understandable) will cause our fans.”
Closer to home Hearts and Rangers have been operating with significant levels of debt.
Hearts debt is owed to the friendly UKIO Bankas of Lithuania with Rangers debt a much more complex issue which has prevented the club from paying a transfer fee for any players over the last 23 months.
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