Briefs

Malaga banned from Europe for a year

Spanish side Malaga have accused Uefa of unfair and unjust treatment after they were banned from European competition, should they qualify, for one season due to outstanding debts.

The club have also been threatened with a further year’s European ban by the governing body unless they prove they have no debts to other clubs, players or the tax authorities.

Malaga, owned by the Qatari al-Thani family, are currently fourth in the Primera Division but have had huge struggles with financial problems.

They reacted to Uefa’s decision with “absolute indignation and consternation” and have vowed to challenge it.

Uefa have also fined the club €300,000.

Notts Forest agree a fee with Derry for winger McLaughlin

Nottingham Forest manager Sean O’Driscoll has been impressed by trialist Stephen McLaughlin and the club have agreed a fee with Derry City for the winger.

Forest look set to sign the 22-year-old following his stint at the City Ground, with O’Driscoll tipping the player to make an immediate impact in the Championship.

“He looks to be a talented boy,” O’Driscoll said.

“He can play on the right or the left, he is 22 and has great potential. I don’t think you can wait a couple of years for him to come through. He has impressed in training. The dilemma is whether you throw him in because he has that potential.

“We want to be in a position where we can give him a chance. He has potential, and this club has a history of bringing through good young players.

“We want to continue that. The fee has been arranged, there are just one or two other things we need to sort out.”