Soccer-Ex Real president Sanz arrested over art exports

MADRID, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz was arrested on Wednesday and charged with the illegal export of artworks linked to his failed bid to buy Italian club Parma in 2005, Spanish media reported.

The investigation into Sanz, who led Real from 1995-2000 when they twice won the European Cup, began a year ago and is ongoing, El Pais and other media reported, citing unidentified sources close to the investigation.

The 66-year-old is accused of using artworks valued at 7.5 million euros ($11.24 million) as part of his attempt to buy the Serie A club. Spanish police were not immediately able to confirm the reports.

Sanz was also arrested in September 2008 after a complaint from a financial institution but released without charge.

(Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Justin Palmer; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)