Spain: Murcia's demotion to third division confirmed by Madrid Mercantile Court

Madrid Mercantile Court (Spain) confirmed, on 22/08/2014, the administrative demotion of Real Murcia to Segunda Division B (the Spanish third division) for the 2014-15 season, on 22/08/2014. Real Murcia, who were fourth in the 2013-14 Liga Adelante (second division), were relegated to the third division for financial reasons by the executive committee of the Spanish LFP (Professional Football League) on 07/08/2014.

Real Murcia had appealed that decision to the Madrid Mercantile Court, which in its first ruling ordered the reinstatement of the club into Liga Adelante (second division) on 12/08/2014. The Spanish LFP had then challenged this decision before the same court on 18/08/2014. The Madrid Mercantile Court on 22/08/2014 ruled that it did not have jurisdiction for the case and that the standards imposed by the LFP were correct. Real Murcia still have the opportunity to appeal that decision in the same court within 20 days.

The league criticised Murcia for not meeting the economic criteria required of professional clubs, notably vis-à-vis the public treasury. Real Murcia's tax…