La Liga clubs Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano have had applications to compete in European competition next season rejected by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), but Málaga had its granted, according to FOOTBALL ESPAÑA. Málaga is "facing a 12-month ban from UEFA club competition for financial irregularities, pending an appeal" taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). However, Málaga has met the prerequisite of receiving a UEFA license from its domestic football association, in the case that its appeal is successful. Clubs must apply each season for a UEFA license from the RFEF "in order to play in the following season’s European competition, should they qualify." One point of requirement "is that all debts outstanding are settled by the previous Dec. 31." Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol have both seen applications turned down, reportedly both "on the grounds that financial conditions were not satisfactory, but they may appeal the decision" (FOOTBALL ESPAÑA, 5/15). In Madrid, Rafael Pineda reported a Málaga source said, "It is good news for our interests, it shows what we have accomplished and that the resource plan that we have presented to the TAS makes all the sense in the world. Málaga meets all the requirements to play in Europe" (EL PAIS, 5/14).
