Mallorca appeal against Europa League ban
Real Mallorca have appealed against the Union of European Football Associations’ decision to ban them from competing in this season’s Europa League. The Spanish team were removed from the competition by the European game’s governing body after irregularities in the club’s finances were exposed. Their place in the tournament was set to be taken by Villareal following a hearing undertaken by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary committee last week.
Mallorca were led to a fifth place finish in La Liga last season by former coach Gregorio Manzano, which ensured the club of qualification to the Europa League. However, UEFA has ruled that the Spanish side will not be allowed to take part in European competition due to their huge debts.
As well as the official appeal against the decision, the club have taken the step of issuing a statement through their official website about the situation and their intent to defeat the ban, which threatens to deprive "the club of a series of revenue in different concepts such as ticketing, sponsorship and income from the competition. Ethically and legally, RCD Mallorca believes reason is on their side and [the club] will not relent in the effort to show that it has earned the right to challenge the Europa League. No one can rob these guys of what they conquered. A team that was placed 38 days in Europe, some players who fought dramatically throughout the league that won the European competition qualification endless overcoming difficulties, do not deserve UEFA action."
Former Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Denmark striker Michael Laudrop was appointed manager of Mallorca in the off-season, replacing Manzano. He has expressed hope that UEFA president Michel Platini will relent and allow the Barralets back into the competition. “I’m optimistic - I know Platini and I know he’s fair," he said. “The committee (of control and discipline) took the decision, but we’ll see what happens. There has been no final word.” A date for the appeal hearing has yet to be set.
Spiralling debt
The club’s debt has spiralled to over 81m euros and they have been seeking an investor since 2008, when the real estate company of then president Vicenc Grande filed for insolvency. Mallorca is reported to have had an operating income of 28.1m euros for the 2008-09 season and had labour costs of 34.6 million Euros. The club posted a pre-tax loss of 5.2m euros. In May this year, the club filed for voluntary administration to ease them through the perilous situation. Majority shareholder and managing director Mateo Alemany revealed said on Mallorca’s official website that: "Over the last two years, Mallorca has suffered a complex economic situation, serious financial problems and an inability to meet its commitments. A meeting (of creditors) is a legal instrument that allows Mallorca to move forward . . . it opens up positive opportunities for the organisation. It is a solution not a problem. (It) guarantees the viability of this club that has been in serious risk of disappearing . . . There will be a philosophy of austerity. The insolvency will affect the first team squad . . . and those who earn the most."
The UEFA decision means such talents as Cameroon international striker Pierre Webó, gifted youngster Emilio Nsue and captain Nunes will be denied the chance to play in the Europa League this season. The island club has had some domestic success in the past, having won the Copa del Rey in 2002-03, and they lifted the Supercopa de Espana in 1998. They had been set to finish in fourth place in La Liga last season, which would have gained them entry to the Champions League qualifying rounds, but were beaten to the spot by Sevilla.
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