Malaga return to La Liga after decade-long decline
Malaga CF have secured promotion to Spain’s top flight, ending a nearly ten-year absence from La Liga. The club’s recovery from financial collapse and relegation to the semi-professional third tier was overseen by court-appointed administrator Jose Maria Munoz, following the departure of former owner Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani.
Malaga have returned to La Liga after nearly a decade away, following a fall from the Champions League to the semi-professional third tier. The club's recovery was driven by a young squad, an unconventional manager, and a dedicated fanbase, culminating in a promotion parade attended by an estimated 185,000 people in June.
The return of Malaga is viewed as a welcome sight for Spanish football enthusiasts, alongside the returns of Deportivo La Coruna and Racing Santander. Malaga's rise to prominence began in 2010 when Qatari Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani purchased the club. Manuel Pellegrini was installed as manager, bringing in players such as Santi Cazorla, Jeremy Toulalan, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Isco.
Malaga reached the Champions League semi-finals in April 2013 before being eliminated by Borussia Dortmund. The club was banned from the Europa League in the 2013-14 season for breaching UEFA's financial fair play rules. Malaga were relegated from La Liga in 2018.
A regional court ordered the removal of Sheikh Al-Thani in 2020 due to alleged misappropriation of funds. European and international arrest warrants have been issued against the Sheikh and his three sons. Court-appointed administrator Jose Maria Munoz has overseen operations since 2020.
The club slipped into the regionalised third division in 2023 before their recent promotion.
