Bad times for Spanish football. The European Commission announced on Wednesday the opening of an “in-depth investigation” into seven La Liga clubs, including Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. All are suspected of having benefited from illegal state aid. Brussels is seeking to determine whether Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna have unduly benefited from exemptions from social charges and tax debts. The investigation also concerns the compatibility of loans granted by the Valencian Community to the clubs of Valencia, Alicante and Elche. The Commission also wants to verify real estate operations around Real Madrid grounds. If, at the end of its investigation, the European Commission declared the aid incompatible with EU law, it could demand reimbursement.
— Published on December 18, 2013
