What On Earth Is Going On At Málaga?

In 2010, Málaga CF were taken over by the Qatari royal Sheikh Abdullah, promising to disrupt the dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga.
Within two years, Malaga rose to fourth in the La Liga table and reached the quarter finals of the Champions League - but in 2018, they were relegated, and the club now find themselves in the bottom half of the Segunda Division table.
In this documentary, HITC Sevens takes a look at Sheikh Abdullah, Malaga's rise and fall, and ultimately where it all went wrong.

[@MasterOfPunpets]

I went on a stadium tour of Malaga's stadium back in like 2012, when they were in La Liga and had players like Van Nistelrooy and Caballero. They were so genuinely surprised to have some tourists come to their stadium for a tour and we got a private tour of the stadium with all access and free gifts and signed postcards at the end. Awesome club!

[@stevenolove]

Awesome city

[@9NineVolt]

As a Malaga fan, you're a legend for making this. We have become an absolute laughing stock, and I'll be honest even I didn't know exactly what was going on. This video has helped me understand the situation better 😄

[@fistingendakenny8781]

Could be worse, you could be a Dundalk FC fan 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Big8Real]

@@fistingendakenny8781 why is it bad

[@gunnarelisigurjonsson2587]

It's been a shitshow.. Al Thani is a twat... Still i hope for la liga days. Was in Málaga city when we got there in 2008. Málaga fan from Iceland

[@yaakdeu1163]

Malaga used to be Sevilla type of team

[@Sam-cn5yd]

@@fistingendakenny8781 could be worse again, you could be s Cork City FC fan

[@mihaistan3514]

I remember that match against Dortmund, how I supported Malaga and was more than thrilled when Eliseu scored, only to have my hopes destroyed when Santana's offside goal was not disallowed. However, many people forget that Eliseu's goal, as extraordinary as it may have seemed, was just as obvious of an offside, so it's not really fair to criticize Dortmund for that one. The only ones clearly in the wrong were all the referees who were on the pitch that night.

[@james12345757]

Cant believe that was 9 years ago already, I remember celebrating early and feeling deflated minutes later , sad to see what has become of them

[@RDiiAZ]

Eliseu was offside too lmao justice was victorious that day

[@schonerrigid1506]

I‘m a Dortmund supporter and I remember how wild it was… wish I had the opportunity to see it in the stadium.

[@yashs7147]

just about to post the same comment lmao. i miss that dortmund team😥😥 we could have done great things if they'd just stayed together one more season.

[@buffaloslamhd8380]

Since simeone has been at Atlético Madrid for over 10 years now, you should do a video on his best seven signings or best XI

[@Jannes-pj4cd]

I’m an Atletico fan and it would be great to see this.

[@jamesmatthews768]

Congrats to anyone who had 'A Knockoff Jar Jar Binks impression' on their HITC Sevens Bingo Card. A researcher, video editor, content creator and now a distinguished voice actor. Is there anything Alfie can't do?

[@Ben-zg4vg]

7:19 that league table is crazy just 4 points between 9th and 18th

[@aidygooner]

Didn't even notice that till your comment. 😮 That's how people talk about the Premier League as if it is that close between the top teams when it's usually a duopoly too. 😬

[@fredrankin3837]

That intro had me crying

[@curtisdoe3726]

As a “Malaguista” I’ve been wanting a video like this for ages, and even better it’s been by you, let’s hope they can get back to the champions league 🙌

[@vetlestrandmann57]

💙🤍

[@JosephBall959]

I’m from Manchester and support the red side, but you’re the team I would love to see more than anyone in the champions league (apart from us)

[@AnkitGupta-wf2lg]

Malaga has international fans?

[@vetlestrandmann57]

@@AnkitGupta-wf2lg yes

[@aidygooner]

Just playing in the Conference League would be an achievement for a small club like Malaga or being back in La Liga (1).

[@LPgeneratorx]

Your football documentary series is genuinely some of the best footballing content on KZbin. Keep working your magic Alfie, it's always a joy to watch!

[@Attackz]

Had the privilege of going to Malaga's stadium when they were in the Champions League. Seen Van Nistelrooy casually leading a mini training session on the pitch.

[@larsrozendal7512]

I am 32 seconds in and I didn’t expect that start 😂

[@dontmindme6995]

0:24 I'm sure this has meme potential. But he's right to be fair

[@ShadowElectricity]

Thank you for actually addressing fans of these new "superclubs" who ignore the terrible things their owners do

[@malcs286]

I usually hate it when people only pick out the mistakes in videos like these, but at 7:00, isn’t Manuel Pellegrini Chilean, rather than Argentinian? Love these “what on earth is going on” videos nonetheless Alfie, clicked on this one as soon as I saw it was out.

[@HITCSevens]

He is indeed, my apologies for the slip up!

[@james12345757]

@@HITCSevens You've probably been asked this enough already but do you plan on doing a video for Oldham Athletic?

[@HITCSevens]

Yes!

[@james12345757]

@@HITCSevens Cant wait!

[@orangejuice9502]

I always make the same mistake with Pellegrin. For some reason in my mind he is Argentinian. I probably mix him up with Mauricio Pellegrino.

[@idkjustchangingmyname7343]

Alfie thanks for making these videos! Love more obscure football stories but don’t have much time to investigate them myself. These videos are perfect!

[@tasarunas7161]

I have a video idea! About Edinburgh Hearts and how they were ruined by Lithuanian/Russian businessman Vladimir Romanov, who also ruined one of the best lithuanian football club FKB Kaunas and also almost ruined best basketball team in Lithuania Kaunas ,,Žalgiris". Would be nice to have this story widespread and since you do have very professional and honest dives into a topics, I might even learn something I did not knew! Thank you for your work!

[@KimiFan2002]

Yes😉I’ve already suggested this one before

[@TubeYou138]

Who's Edinburgh Hearts? I know of Heart of Midlothian who play in the Spfl.

[@MrSniperfox29]

FFP is a joke and is literally just there to stop the small clubs from challenging the bigger ones.

[@nicocorbo4153]

very well written intro. love the artistic comparisons of Picasso's cubism to the attempted rebuild at Malaga

[@danielbaycock6929]

Seeing My local club fall so far from grace has been really sad and unjust. Thank you for making a video on it Alfie!

[@bensanders2944]

What a video, what a channel. In the world of TikTok and shorts, I'm always glad to see a creator who clearly puts alot of effort into his videos. Keep it up our kid. 👍

[@PancakesAndHammers2426]

The first 50 seconds got me. Excellent job! Love the work you do.

[@mazzaaa3920]

Fantastic analysis as always Alfie, just one minor correction though, Pellegrini is chilean, not argentine That being said, sublime content as usual, also the Jar Jar Binks toned impression at the beginning was just exquisite

[@Yash-zg3dp]

I remember a suggesting this a while back Thanks for making a video on it I didn't read the article on it cause I like your narration so I waited and forgot about it. Great vid♥️

[@darryl2306]

That was the greatest intro of all time. Great video as always, Alfie!

[@depekthegreat359]

Malaga are one of my favourite Spanish clubs ever but served them right for trying to be like a big overnight even after losing to Borussia Dortmund controversially in the 2nd leg of the UEFA Champions League at that time even when they knew that they were a real smaller club in their history by only winning a title and their recklessness in their transfer spending and revenues which ultimately made the Spanish FA to investigate and filed a case on them regarding this,good friends!!!They are now in the Segunda Division which is the La Liga Smartbank which I have been watching almost all of the respective matches through You Tube and congratulations to Malaga by beating Alcorcon away at 1-0 to resurrect their season even though,they are practically struggling in the division at the moment with just a win out of their last 5 matches despite being in the 10th spot of the standings!!!I wish them well in the remaining of the season and kickstart next season strongly,good friends!!!

[@lamina11]

Any betting tips for Segunda since you watch it so closely

[@doudeau1988]

This is the best football channel I love how you look at the moral implication of the modern game

[@SensaiGaia1]

Thank you for this video, it's very informative as to what is going on at this club.

[@vincenttayag5189]

This was one I always wanted to know. Much thanks Alfie

[@Jasonmendez795]

Absolutely love your channel and especially your what on earth videos! Would love to see you do one for Real Zaragoza if possible

[@henockabi318]

hitcsevens love your work especially the fact that you covered the entire world and not just top league can you please do TP Mazembe 2010 World Cup please I’m sure people would love that story

[@tipptop9]

Love these whats going on videos

[@aidanosullivan6796]

Another great video Alfie. I’m amazed by your quality and quantity, amazing work ethic. I do have a video idea(s), I was wondering if you could make a video on the Americans who you think could become the best out of U21 players or 7 MLS players who could make it in Europe

[@ericji4148]

They almost knockout Dortmund in the quarter finals of the Champions League years ago. One of the craziest Champions League games.

[@TheGeorgieboi9]

Great video, very insightful and nice to see lots of people care about what's happened. Sadly it's all too common nowadays, definitely in England anyway! Hope Malaga can sell the remaining 51% share ASAP and return to enjoying the beautiful game again

[@forechunkukee]

HITC Sevens never fails to deliver. That intro is hilarious.

[@steo12]

Great video as always ... do one on the Southampton take over plz 👏👏

[@kid_doonski]

That intro where Alfie did a voice caught me off guard ngl, I've never heard him do that before 🤣

[@aj346321]

I really do cherish these videos. If you’re interested could you maybe take a look at a few (maybe 7 or so) interviews conducted by players or managers that had damning consequences? Or something along those lines. Lukaku’s interview was the inspiration for this suggestion.

[@10mibrahim]

Love the effort you put in your channel 👏

[@domgluhwein]

That intro, Alfie... you got me laughing and depressed at the same time! But that funny voice, LMAO 🤣

[@harrymarkham5320]

You're the best x

[@johnvalentine2435]

Just watched this video as a ex pat and west ham united man I now live in the Malaga area I always wondered what happened to Malaga CF , now I know thank you Alfie great video (as usual) , they still get large crowds the Guru Army (ex pats mainly English) still go home and away, Thanks Again for the video

[@Jannes-pj4cd]

I used to live there, I’m an Atletico Madrid fan, I’ve been a few times to La Rosaleda( Malaga’s stadium) there’s a great atmosphere. It’s so sad to see that they play in Segunda. I really hope that they will come up to La Liga. It’s a club with a rich history and the city is also beautiful. The club deserves better.

[@anthonyjudeaggabao2302]

Ahh yes Malaga, the "so that's where they were" club on FIFA back in those days

[@ismaelahmad2541]

Hi Alfie, I do like watching your videos as they are quite different from the most of the other football related videos here on Youtub! I have a suggestion of making a video about a small football club called DALKurd FF. In 2004 a group of young Kurdish migrant (diaspora) in small town of Borlänge in Sweden established this club. In their first year the average age of their player were only 17! Dalkurd won every division they participated in from their very first season in 2005 to 2009. Owing to this uncommon success they got a lot of media attention, both in Sweden and abroad, and finally in 2018 they promoted to the Allsvenskan Sweden’s top devotion football, and they did all that without any outside financial backing! I believe this is an interesting story

[@ChineseKiwi]

Yep, we're gonna need more of that 'intro voice' in future videos Alfie LOL

[@lardlad12]

Love the reference to Roy Hodgson's infamous interview.

[@lewis7951]

Hands down your greatest intro

[@lukeprentice6088]

May we have a 'What on Earth is Going on' video at Hamburger SV, please?

[@antoniocristiano4571]

@HITC Sevens For your what on earth is going on series, are you planning to do a video on Birmingham City. I remember around ten years ago they won the carabao cup, and are now in a relegation battle in the championship.

[@captainbaconsky]

Great video! Suggestion for next one: WTF is going on in Czech football.

[@21hazza]

What is going on in Czech football?

[@captainbaconsky]

@@21hazza a huge bribery scandal. Kinda a sequel to one that happened some years ago. People fixing games by controlling the ref appointment, misappropriation of subsidy money, personal vendettas ...

[@kden8743]

That intro was a thing of beauty

[@georgehillis8966]

I am a Malaga fan and this video was so sad…

[@randisallah]

"Ooh shinny new signings" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tylertaggerty2902]

2nd time asking for a video about Arbroath FC

[@chipperp1803]

You should do st Johnstone and how they won the Scottish cup and league cup in the same season.

[@stivstilianos980]

Can you make a video on the 7 nations most likely to become 1st time World Cup winners by the end of this century ?

[@cillianholohan2459]

Could you do: 7 3-way transfers, 7 best underdog youth league runs or 7 luckiest players- talent in comparison to titles won or players played with. Thanks

[@themotofie2905]

sorry to be nit-picky, but at 7:00 you mention that Manuel Pellegrini is Argentinian, when in fact he is Chilean.

[@andrsmaldo]

Great video but that Cazorla pronunciation makes me cringe 😬

[@mattyoafc3617]

Would be good if you can do an Oldham one. plenty of stuff is happening if you can research it all.

[@alyjam]

Your intro sums up why I don't really care about football anymore except for international championships.

[@F4ND4NG02]

You should do Racing Santander. It is even worse than Malaga!

[@foroudazimi7773]

Great video! Only correction: Pellegrini is Chilean, not Argentine

[@bryanguzman9212]

Do a part 2

[@samdixon2980]

‪Next video idea: best returns from injury?‬

[@Filipbookmaker]

Can you please do video about biggest Legia rivals - Lech Poznan? They have one of the best academies in eastern europe and produced many talents recently.

[@pajo103]

Went to a Malaga vs Athletico Madrid match a few years ago, Great atmosphere

[@razerbites2618]

This video is getting liked and saved in a playlist just for that intro

[@juicebx283]

Finally someone spoke of them

[@bashir5668]

Can we see similar one to real zaragoza? I don't know why they are stuck in segunda division, they had a great team couple of years and were regular in laliga

[@sheldon97sheldon]

DAY 18 Can you please do a documentary of "How on earth did Leicester City win the Premier League?"

[@DGAMINGDE]

Unlike the owner/former owner of Malaga I don't happen to be connected to any war crimes. Therefore I hope I am also able to make better suggestions about football as I suggest: Day 6: Top 7 second/amateur teams in football (Hertha BSC II which almost won the DFB Pokal, Real Madrid Castilla who lost to their first team in the spanish cup in 1980 but got into Europe, Wellington Phoenix Reserves who play in the NZ National League)

[@konstancja74]

Alfie, I love the beginning xD

[@balham5606]

It was a good documentary, do you think Hull City will get new owners?

[@joelthorpe4170]

Oooooooh shiny signings 😂😂😂 Brilliant Alfie!

[@JoshuaC923]

The intro, hilarious🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@hatsuhioki9361]

Do something about Chievo Verona

[@markpeterka450]

Can you do a series about fallen giants ? teams that are used to be good but they are not anymore ? (Blackburn) I'm pretty sure you can find teams at least 7 or something similar

[@donaldcattanach9911]

Deportivo la coruna won la liga in 2000 and are now in 3rd division

[@Eibarwoman]

The situation there was Galician/local drug smugglers had significant stake in the ownership. Spanish government cracked down on the Galician smuggling mafias and Deportivo La Coruna sank like a stone. Xerez and Heracles Alicante also have fallen from La Liga into the 4th division in the same span, in the case of Heracles in just a decade.

[@rudymurillo4844]

If La Liga had worked out a better TV deal for everyone, Malaga would still be in the CL and Real/Barca wouldn't be so desperate for a new revenue source.

[@Mark-uh3un]

I’ll never forget their game against Dortmund in the CL

[@sean14sc]

Does anyone know what song he uses in these videos? I can barely hear it anymore because the volume has been lowered but it’s relaxing and I’ve never figured it out

[@roscoaber]

It was unfair the way Malaga were punished by Uefa and stopped from playing in Europe.

[@verhaegh7659]

Malaga is my second club and it’s sad to see what has happened

[@mancunioner]

I used to live there, family still do. With regards to the port that was a plan from the very beginning as was the sport city. Basically from what I've heard, both the Malaga and the Marbella Councils approved the plans for both, but supposedly the plans then have to be approved by the Junta de Andalucia which is the regional or county council. Anyway, the Junta de Andalucia is based in the main Andalucian city which is Sevilla. Plans were rejected at that level and the belief was that they were concerned about Malaga overtaking Sevilla and Real Betis in terms of size and desirability etc. Its fairly believable, the 2 cities don't really like each other mainly due to the boom Malaga has had from tourism

[@jas1304]

Need a video where Alfie does the intro voice all way through

[@TheBusbyBabes]

the intro is pretty funny xD

[@leylag.c2705]

Sad to see

[@hugoumero9723]

Hey Alfie can you do about the story of Uniao de tomar

[@lordfizzz]

It's a damn shame modern football is becoming money laundering/ pokemon cards for the super super rich

[@dfez6884]

Alfies take on Man City fans LMFAOO 0:25

[@mcarcola415]

It'd be worth making one of these for Santos FC, in Brazil. Similar fall from grace to Malaga and Wigan Atheltic.

[@chinglee100]

Santos FC were in the Copa Libertadores final just 2 seasons ago what do you mean fall from grace? Lol

[@RyuzakiTaiyou]

Best German players in the premier league of all time. (Day 256) I will not give up until the video is made or Alfie himself tells me to stop. Everyone else telling me that will be ignored. If you don't believe my number, just go back to the previous videos. I'm at the bottom most of the time, but I'm there.

[@andrewbeal8767]

How about ‘where did it all go wrong at Barnsley?’ Following the new ‘Conway out’ campaign. And how every club in the pacific group is battling against relegation following on from you episode which covered Brentford and Barnsley

[@razerow3391]

Is this about Newcastle United? The start of the video sounds like Newcastle!

[@saxpackabs]

I can't believe people are still doing Jar Jar Binks impressions in 2022. I mean, it made me laugh, just caught me off guard.

[@LegendNinja41]

@8:07 talk about an unbalanced league RM and Barca wrecked the league so hard that they got 191 points 235 goals combined and nearly half the league got a goal difference of -10 and 5 teams even -20 or more. Osasuna somehow finished 7th with -17 GD and Villarreal got relegated with -14 GD lol.

[@maximerestuccia7824]

In a couple years you have to go back to certain clubs in this series and see if it's gotten better or worse

[@oogaboogazoogawooga3450]

please please PLEASE do Chicago Fire FC PLEASEEEE