European football's governing body handed down the sanction last night after deeming Mallorca had fallen foul of financial regulations.

Mallorca in May applied to go into voluntary administration after amassing debts thought to be in the region of 70million euros.

A statement on UEFA's website read: "On the basis of all expert reviews which have been undertaken, the control and disciplinary body ruled that the club does not fulfil the necessary admission criteria."

Mallorca have reacted angrily and are preparing to challenge the ruling.

A club statement today read: "This decision is seriously harmful to the club's administration process as there were a series of revenues expected that would have allowed payments to creditors."

New coach Michael Laudrup is hopeful the ban will be overturned.

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona star said: "I'm optimistic, I can see no logical reason why this should happen.

"I think the club will appeal. I do not think we will stay out."