Fulham Refuses to Take Part in Penalty Shootout for This Reason
Fulham refused to take part in a penalty shootout against Málaga for two unusual reasons, resulting in the Spanish side being crowned Costa del Sol Trophy champions.
The Costa del Sol Trophy ended in completely unexpected fashion. Fulham decided not to take part in the penalty shootout that was set to determine the winner against Málaga, after the two teams finished tied 2-2 following 90 minutes at La Rosaleda.
The English club's decision was based on two main reasons: penalties were not included in the contract agreed for the friendly, and taking part in the shootout could have prevented the team from reaching the airport in time for its flight.
With Fulham refusing to continue with the tiebreaker, Málaga ultimately claimed the Costa del Sol Trophy without having to take a single penalty.
A Last-Minute Equalizer Changed Everything
The 36th edition of the traditional tournament was played in front of 17,179 spectators and appeared to be heading toward a Fulham victory. However, with regulation time about to expire, a handball inside the penalty area gave the Spanish side an opportunity to level the score.
Eneko Jauregi stepped up to take the penalty and converted to make it 2-2 for Málaga, a result that was expected to send the match to a penalty shootout.
That was when the confusion began. According to information provided by Málaga, the English club explained that a penalty shootout was not part of the conditions previously established for the friendly and that extending the match could affect its travel plans.
Fulham Leaves the Field and Málaga Claims the Trophy
Tensions also reached the technical area. Álvaro Arbeloa, Fulham head coach and former Real Madrid player, was sent off after protesting a refereeing decision.
Following the final whistle, the English team's players spent several minutes speaking with the referee as both sides attempted to clarify what would happen with the tournament's deciding shootout.
Ultimately, Fulham opted not to take the penalties and left the field, a decision that drew boos from the crowd at La Rosaleda.
With the shootout unable to take place, Málaga were declared Costa del Sol Trophy champions. A friendly that appeared destined to be decided from the penalty spot therefore ended with an unusual scene: one team lifting the trophy after its opponent decided not to participate in the shootout.
