Real Mallorca shareholder and tennis numero uno Rafa Nadal hit out at UEFA’s decision to exclude the financially troubled club from their rightful Europa Cup representation. Mallorca placed fifth in the Liga after a thrilling see saw battle with Sevilla which went right down to the wire.
The governing body ruled that the club had not fulfilled the admission criteria to be allowed into the competition. In April this year, Mallorca went into financial administration. A study done by University of Barcelona placed their debt to the tune of $110 million.
“It’s a hell of a blow because playing in Europe fills you with excitement and the players have earned it,” said the Wimbledon and French Open champion.
“I don’t know the reasons behind the exclusion but if it is for economic reasons there would not be any European competition at all because everyone is in the same situation.”
It’s a shame because Mallorca actually acted responsibly by declaring voluntary administration to sort out their dodgy finances. Rather than continue to live beyond their means which seems to be the case with almost every club and use creative accounting tricks to hide true debt they decided to restructure early. They should be commended and not penalized by UEFA.
The club has appealed the decision. Meanwhile, FIFA’s decision benefits Villareal who get into the Europa Cup playoff round.
2 comments on “Rafa Nadal lashes out at UEFA”
“It’s a shame because Mallorca actually acted responsibly by declaring voluntary administration to sort out their dodgy finances. Rather than continue to live beyond their means which seems to be the case with almost every club and use creative accounting tricks to hide true debt they decided to restructure early. They should be commended and not penalized by UEFA.”
This is really dead on. That said, it’s a problem that plagues not just sports but many, many areas of life. Once a critical mass of “competitors” or peers are gaining an advantage by bending or breaking the rules it is rather difficult not to either do the same or be penalized for being honest about your problems maintaining or living up to those standards without suffering. It’s frustrating but it illustrates the utility of limited forms of amnesty and/or allowing the decision makers discretion in enforcement (obviously, discretionary enforcement brings its own heap of problems).
Still, it does seem especially perverse to penalize a club that went into “voluntary” administration, insofar as administration can ever be voluntary, be taking away a major source of income.
Jesse G., its a Catch -22. You declare voluntary administration and you pay the penalty for being honest. Mallorca could benefit from Europa Cup competition which would have given them much needed appearance money – which is what UEFA should have done. But the lesson learned here is the opposite of what UEFA is trying to do. Do not disclose at any costs.