A seven and a half year sentence has been handed to Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido after been culpable in a corruption case with officials of the Marbella local council, said the Malaga provincial court on Monday December19, 2011.

Del Nido was found guilty of embezzling council funds alongside 16 other officials when he served as legal advisor to the Costa del Sol local government.

The case, which had nothing to do with Sevilla football club, can be appealed to the high court.

Del Nido was appointed by Jesus Gil who once served as president of Atletico Madrid and Mayor of Marbella.

“Del Nido was a willing accomplice criminally responsible for offenses of continuous fraudulent activities in tenders, corrupt practices and embezzlement of public funds,” the court ruling said.

The court has asked the Sevila supremo to compensate the Marbella council with the sum of 2.7 million euros.

As president of Sevilla FC he has overseen a successful period for the club, winning the UEFA Cup twice in 2006 and 2007 as well as the King’s Cup in 2007 and 2010. The team has remained top contenders in Spanish and European football.