Malaga have been banned from European competition for at least one season because of unpaid bills. The suspension will not affect Málaga’s current Champions League campaign but covers any time in the next four seasons should they again qualify for Europe.
The ban, issued by football governing body Uefa, aims to stop clubs spending beyond their means through Financial Fair Play.
Uefa’s club financial control body has taken its first decision due to the presence of significant overdue payables. Malaga is excluded from participating in the next Uefa club competition for which it would otherwise qualify for in the next four seasons.
Málaga has responded by claiming they have been made a “scapegoat” by Uefa.
Malaga were also fined €300,000 and could even face a further season’s ban unless they can prove by the end of March 2013 that they have settled outstanding payments to other teams, staff and the tax authorities.