UEFA said the La Liga club will face the punishment due to financial irregularities, but the Andalusian side was quick to reply to the accusations.

"Malaga wish to communicate their total disagreement with today's UEFA ruling," a statement from the club read.

"The measures taken against the club are absolutely disproportionate and unjustified given the club's situation. We believe that the club are being punished unfairly and used as a example to others.

"Given the total and absolute indignation and consternation on the part of the club, Malaga wish to state that they will work energetically and without rest to achieve justice, using all available necessary means.

"Malaga would like to add that they do not understand, and consider it totally incomprehensible and abusive, that after having received this judgement, they must now wait an unknown period of time to know the evidence upon which it was taken.

"For the tranquility of all fans, Malaga wish to state that they will continue to fulfill the different phases set out for its process of internal restructuring which began last summer."

Malaga are fourth in La Liga and meet titleholders Real Madrid on Saturday.