Spain foregoes government subsidy for 2nd year

MADRID (AP) — World and European champion Spain's success on the field has allowed it to forego an annual government subsidy for the second straight year.

The Spanish federation says president Angel Maria Villar confirmed the move Monday, allowing Spain's government to recoup €3-4 million ($4-5.3 million) only days after announcing a round of cuts would affect national federation budgets.

Spain sports minister Miguel Cardenal says the sacrifice "will benefit the other federations."

Spain became the first European country to defend its continental title this year. It has a host of big-name sponsors on its bankroll, including Adidas, telecommunications company Telefonica and energy outfit Iberdrola.

Nearly a quarter of Spain's population is unemployed with the government's austerity measures meant to fight a double-dip recession.