The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs said today that six football clubs from that country, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, are under investigation by the European Commission.
In addition to the two biggest clubs under investigation for illegal receipt of state aid, there are also Osasuna, Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Elce and the second league team Hercules.
"The government will fight to the end to defend the clubs, which are the brand of Spain," said Minister José Manuel García Margallo, according to Spanish media.
Real, Barcelona, Atlético and Osasuna are under investigation for their tax status, while the team from Madrid is reportedly also under investigation for buying the land on which the training facilities were built.
Atletico are under scrutiny for the alleged "role of public money" in the construction of the San Marmas stadium, and Valencia, Hercules and Elce for receiving aid from the provincial government.
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