The European Commission ordered seven Spanish football clubs to return to 68.8 million euros, previously obtained in the form of state aid. According to the news Agency Europe Press, the sanctions affected the clubs Barcelona, real Madrid, athletic club de Bilbao”, “Valencia”, “Club atlético Osasuna”, “Elche” and “Hercules”.
According to Brussels, these funds they received illegally. Hardest decision of the EC affects Valencia, it is necessary to return 20.4 million euros, the club “real Madrid” – 18.6 million
In addition, the “Barcelona, real Madrid, athletic club de Bilbao and Club atlético Osasuna” will lose the tax benefits provided by the Spanish authorities. And each of them is obliged to pay fines of up to EUR 5 million.
According to the European Commissioner for competition Margrethe Vestager, the use of additional funds provided to these seven clubs an advantage over rivals in terms of marketing, sales, Souvenirs and other products, broadcasting rights and transfer of players). Disciplinary proceedings against them were opened in 2013.
