Málaga CF faced one of its darkest moments in 2013 when UEFA, with Gianni Infantino as secretary general, banned the club from European competition despite finishing sixth in LaLiga. The punishment came amid their historic Champions League run, which ended in controversy in Dortmund.
Why was Málaga CF sanctioned?
UEFA, led by Infantino and Platini, penalised the club for breaching Financial Fair Play rules. Abdullah Al-Thani’s mismanagement left Málaga in a precarious position, and UEFA’s ruling was upheld by CAS. The team, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, lost their Europa League spot despite earning it on the pitch.
What happened in Dortmund?
Weeks after the ban, Málaga CF were knocked out of the Champions League quarter-finals by Borussia Dortmund. Santana’s stoppage-time goal, with four offside players, sealed their fate. Pellegrini stated: «We couldn’t or they didn’t want us to advance. A sanctioned team couldn’t reach the semi-finals».
What was Infantino’s role?
As UEFA’s second-in-command, Infantino played a pivotal part in the sanction. His strict approach contrasted with UEFA’s leniency toward bigger clubs. Today, as FIFA president, his involvement in Málaga CF’s case remains a stain on his record.
