MADRID: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla and Racing Santander have been fined by Spain’s competition commission for breaking rules that regulate the sale of television rights.

The four clubs, along with broadcaster Mediapro were fined a total of €15m ($20.4m) by the commission (CNMC) on Monday.

Mediapro were fined €6.5m ($8.82m), Madrid €3.9m , Barcelona €3.6m ($5.29m), Sevilla €900,000 ($1.22m) and Santander €30,000 ($40,754).

Rules stipulate that contracts for TV rights have to be no longer than three years, but the clubs and the broadcaster agreed four year deals.

However, Mediapro said they had all acted “in good faith” and that the contracts complied with Spanish law.

Mediapro will appeal the ruling it was confirmed and attempt to ensure they do have to pay the fines while a decision is awaited.

Real and Barcelona share approximately half the total TV revenue for La Liga, which I around €700m ($950.53m).