Madrid, Barcelona among those fined over TV rights

MADRID (AP) — The Spanish competition commission has fined Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Racing Santander and a major broadcaster 15 million euros ($20 million) for a "serious" violation of television rights sales.

The hefty penalties were given to Mediapro and the four clubs for agreeing to four-year contracts on TV rights when only three years is allowed.

Mediapro must pay 6.5 million euros ($8.8 million), while Real Madrid was fined 3.9 million euros ($5.3 million), Barcelona 3.6 million euros ($4.9 million), Sevilla 900,000 euros ($1.2 million) and Santander 30,000 euros ($40,000).

Mediapro, which shares the rights to Spanish league matches with Canal Plus, says it will appeal the ruling.

In Spain, individual clubs reach TV rights deals with broadcasters instead of using collective bargaining. Madrid and Barcelona earn the most.