Club could be ejected from Europe

The desperation of Athletic Bilbao and, more recently, Villarreal knows no bounds. Despite Real Mallorca being granted a UEFA licence allowing them to play in the Europa League next season, both clubs have sent a letter to the RFEF and UEFA asking them to take away the aforementioned licence.

Athletic are still awaiting £1.1 million owed to them by the Islanders, an amount which will not be paid in full following insolvency and bankruptcy laws in Spain. Meanwhile, Villarreal have been told they cannot enter Europe despite finishing in European places because there are “too many Spanish teams in Europe,” according to UEFA. Mallorca being removed from Europe would, however, free up that place for Villarreal.

In Spain, there is no procedure from teams who are declared bankrupt. UEFA, however, may apply sanctions to the club under Article 33 which states “the federation (UEFA) may cancel the licence of a club should that club enter bankruptcy proceedings.”

The head of Commercial Court 2 in Palma de Mallorca, María Encarnación González, last week agreed to the process of voluntary bankruptcy requested by the club back in May.

The draw for the Europa League will be made on the 16th July, and if the case has not been resolved by that date then Mallorca will finally be able to compete in Europe next season.