UEFA bans Real Mallorca from Europa League

Europe’s football governing body, UEFA, has banned La Liga side Real Mallorca from competing in next season’s Europa League because of financial regulations.

Mallorca, who finished fifth in the league last season, went into voluntary administration in May with reported debts of around €60 million (US$77.6 million).

But UEFA has said its control and disciplinary body has decided the club did not fulfill the admission criteria.

A statement from UEFA read: “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 [Article 2.07 of the Regulations of the UEFA Europa League], as the license of the club was not granted in accordance with the UEFA Club Licensing Regulations, 2008 edition, and the club has not fulfilled its obligations as defined in these regulations.”

A statement on the club’s official website said: “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.”

New coach Michael Laudrup added: “I am optimistic. It doesn’t seem logical that this could happen. I don’t think we’ll stay out.”

Mallorca are expected to launch an appeal in the coming days. If they are unsuccessful, Villareal could be in line to replace them in the competition.