Espanyol and Real Vallecano banished from European games

The Spanish Football Association have rejected applications from Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano to play in Europe next season.

Before any club can take part in European football they must obtain a licence from their governing football association, and if a club does not meet the necessary requirements, their application can be rejected.

Concerns around the financial conditions at both clubs were reportedly behind the decision to turn down their requests, although they can appeal the decision.

Espanyol and Rayo have an outside chance of finishing in a European qualification position in La Liga but the FA did not they had met the standards required to represent Spain, although Malaga did have their application granted.

Despite facing a 12-month ban from UEFA for financial irregularities the UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists have been granted a licence so they can take their place if their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport is successful.

Malaga have more chance of qualifying for Europe next season, they are currently sat in sixth position in the league with only Real Betis fighting them for the final UEFA Europa League spot.

Six other clubs have seen their applications rejected, they include relegation threatened Deportivo La Coruna, Celta Vigo, Osasuna, Granada and Real Zaragoza with mid-table Real Valladolid also not having their request granted.