Ciudad de Murcia to sell place in second division

The newly formed team of Granada 74 are poised to become the first Spanish club to buy themselves a place in a higher league by purchasing Ciudad de Murcia's berth in the second division.

Granada 74 are taking advantage of regulations introduced prior to this season which allow clubs to sell their right to compete in the league to another team rather like the franchises that are common in American sport.

Granada president Carlos Marsa told a news conference on Wednesday that the deal was very close to being finalised although he was not prepared to reveal the cost of the operation.

Marsa said that players under contract to Ciudad de Murcia could transfer to Granada 74, but that given the club's change in location they would be allowed to rescind their contracts.

He also said that he hoped five or six Ciudad de Murcia players would play for the new team.

Mars added that Ciudad de Murcia president Enrique Pina was trying to buy up control of second division side Cadiz.

Ciudad de Murcia are in fourth place in the second division with two games left to play but have no chance of promotion to the Primera Liga.