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Fulham Walks Off After Late Penalty and Málaga Is Declared Trofeo Costa del Sol Winner

A contractual dispute over whether a post-match penalty shootout was agreed led Fulham to withdraw before penalties.

Overview

  • The clash at La Rosaleda ended 2-2 after a controversial added-time penalty, and Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa was shown a red card for protesting the decision.
  • Fulham's delegation left the pitch before the planned shootout, saying the penalty shootout was not in the signed match contract and that staying would jeopardize their return flight.
  • Organizers then awarded Málaga the trophy and, with Fulham absent, Málaga forward Eneko Jauregi took and scored a symbolic penalty into an empty net.
  • The episode, witnessed by roughly 17,000 fans, has focused attention on clarity of preseason match agreements and on how travel schedules can clash with tournament protocols.
  • Next steps to watch include whether Fulham files a formal appeal or if organizers revise contract wording for future summer friendlies to avoid similar disputes.