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Football
Malaga's New Year revolution
Andalusians looking up after purchase by Qatari royal sparks investment in players that only Real Madrid have matched.
Last Modified: 13 Feb 2011 11:08 GMT

They may be bottom of the Spanish Primera Division, but Malaga could change the face of football in Spain after becoming only the second club to be owned by foreigners.

Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani, a member of the Qatari royal family, has invested heavily since purchasing the Andalusian club for about $50 million, with only Real Madrid spending more.

Former Real coach Manuel Pellegrini has been able to buy five new players in the January transfer window, including Brazilian World Cup star Julio Baptista.

With few other clubs outside the Real-Barca stronghold able to afford such luxuries, could the top two face a challenge from newly-rich teams in the future?

Matt Rumsey reports from Malaga.

Source:
Al Jazeera
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