MID-TABLE SPANISH side Elche have been relegated from La Liga this morning after on-going financial difficulties.

The Alicante based club, whose financial troubles this season were well-documented, had failed to pay players’ wages on a number of occasions this season.

The club also failed to pay tax this season, and with their history of financial trouble, the club were punished by the league with relegation to the Segunda División and fined €180,000.

A statement from the LFP read:

“The Social Discipline Judge has agreed to impose upon Elche CF the sanction of relegation from La Liga in view of the recidivism in the case, given that the club had been sanctioned both last season and this season as a result of serious infractions committed, in accordance with La Liga’s Law of Sport and Company Statutes.”

Elche had finished in 13th place in La Liga this season on 41 points, six clear of Eibar in 18th place. It is yet to be confirmed, but it is believed Eibar will now avoid relegation, and take the place of Elche.

The news comes just three weeks after a proposed Spanish Football suspension and players strike ended.

The players had backed striking, after deeming the new collective bargaining proposals for the split of TV money did not do enough for smaller clubs.

Until now, clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid are allowed to negotiate their own TV deals, leaving a major gulf in TV revenue for clubs further down the table.

Earlier this week, Elche claimed they would be making an appeal if they were relegated for their tax debt.

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