Following the expulsion of Reus, which has been relegated to Spain's non-professional Segunda B for the next three years, La Liga made the "unprecedented decision" to play the rest of the current season of the second division with 21 teams instead of 22, according to Roberto Villarreal of EL MUNDO. At the end of the season, only three teams will be relegated. The results of the games Reus already played this season will remain valid. For the rest of the season, one team will have a "bye" on every matchday. For each team's scheduled but unplayed game against Reus, "it will be awarded the three points equivalent to a 1-0 win" (EL MUNDO, 1/28).
FILING AN APPEAL: MARCA reported Reus "will fight its expulsion." The club released a statement announcing that it will appeal the decision La Liga made on Monday. Reus said in the statement, "There have been various meetings with advisers, authorities from the city of Reus and principal investors to determine what actions to take against this unjust decision that damages the players, fans, club and new owners. Until now, no team has been subject to such an extreme sanction" (MARCA, 1/29).
