Villarreal denounce Malaga to the LFP

Villarreal have denounced Malaga to the Spanish League (LFP) for the VAT owed on Santi Cazorla's transfer.

Cazorla joined the Andalusians in a €22m deal last summer but Villarreal President Fernando Roig has now complained to the LFP about the outstanding money and, according to Cadena Ser, Malaga are now prevented from making any signings before the issue is resolved.

Although preliminary reports maintained Roig would be taking the matter to UEFA, Cadena Ser confirmed he has lodged his complaint with the LFP and not European football’s governing body, which could have meant Malaga being excluded from a first-ever appearance in the Champions League next season.

Ironically, Villarreal were the team that benefited from UEFA’s decision two seasons ago to bar Real Mallorca from the Europa League after the Balearic club were in the middle of bankruptcy proceedings.

However, Malaga owner Sheikh Abdulla Al-Thani has responded to Roig’s actions and rumours of economic problems at La Rosaleda in his own way via social network Twitter.

Publishing a picture of one of the racehorses he owns – based in Belgium, containing Egyptian blood and known as 'The King of the Gallops'- the Sheikh pulled no punches in reminding everyone of his financial value.

“The horse is actually worth more than any footballer in the world,” he tweeted.

La Liga - Club News