UEFA embargo for Malaga and Atletico Madrid

Madrid: European soccer body UEFA has announced an embargo on Spanish clubs Atletico Madrid and Malaga while it investigates their debts towards employees, with other clubs and to tax authorities.

According to UEFA`s fair-play laws, clubs participating in European competitions (Malaga are in the Champions League and Atletico are in the Europa League) are obliged to present information over the state of their outstanding payments going back to June 30. UEFA announced after their last meeting in August that "there are important payments pending with other clubs and/or employees or authorities in the form of taxes". The action means that neither Malaga nor Atletico, which last season won the Europa League after defeating Athletic Club Bilbao in the final, will receive the relevant prize money from their appearances in this season`s competitions until the issue is resolved. The clubs have been given until the end of September to bring their payments up to date. Another 21 European clubs, including Sporting de Portugal and CSKA Sofia, have had the same measures applied. IANS