MADRID: Barcelona, Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao were three of the only four clubs who voted against the Spanish league’s controversial rights deal at the organisation’s general assembly.

The investment fund CVC Capital Partners has acquired a 50-year right to nearly 11pc of the broadcasting rights of the other 38 clubs in the top two divisions. The identity of the fourth – second division – club is unknown.

CVC will pay LaLiga €2.7bn but none of that cash will be shared with the rebel four though they will retain 11pc of broadcasting rights otherwise claimed by the company.