Spain: EU Commission opens "in-depth investigation" into public funding of seven Spanish clubs

The European Commission has opened "three distinct in-depth investigations to verify whether various public support measures in favour of certain Spanish professional football clubs are in line with EU state aid rules", on the 18/12/2013. The seven Spanish clubs are Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Valencia CF, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna, Elche CF and Hercules (2^nd division).

"Professional football clubs should finance their running costs and investments with sound financial management rather than at the expense of the taxpayer. Member States and public authorities must comply with EU rules on state aid in this sector as in all economic sectors," said Spain's Joaquín Almunia, the Commission Vice President in charge of competition policy.

The Commission will assess whether the support measures in favour of the clubs are therefore likely to affect competition and trade between Member States. If the Commission states that these aids are illegal, Spanish clubs may have to repay the sums they received.

"I would like the commission, when it talks about a helping hand in Europe, so as not to give…