Spain: The European Commission will investigate 7 clubs for illegal state aid

The European Commission will open an investigation into potential Spanish illegal state aid provided to seven clubs, on the 18/12/2013. The seven clubs are Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna, Elche CF and Hercules Alicante (second division).

"As far as I know there was nothing illegal...but I am concerned about the prejudice that the clubs may suffer. The government will fight to defend Spanish clubs because they're also part of the Spanish brand," said José Manuel Garcia Margallo, Spanish foreign minister, on the 16/12/2013.

A complaint had been filed in 2009 by investors of several European football clubs. The Spaniard Joaquin Almunia, European Commissioner for Competition, likewise received a complaint, on the 03/04/2013.

Emily O'Reilly, the European Ombudsman (who investigates complaints against EU institutions) asked the Commission to "stop delaying a decision on whether to open infringement proceedings against Spain concerning alleged unfair tax advantages for certain Spanish football clubs," on the 16/12/2013.

"The Commission has failed to act on this…