Real Betis owner Manuel Ruiz de Lopera has defended himself against an accusation from the Sevilla state prosecutor's office that he has siphoned off capital from the club.

"The prosecutor has been misled because he has only been given certain documents," Lopera was quoted as saying in the Spanish media.

"I'm very calm about the matter because my lawyers will provide the missing documentation. I've got nothing to hide."

The club also released a statement in support of Lopera, saying it is "the accusers who need to provide evidence for their case or face the consequences of making unfounded accusations".

On Monday the prosecutor's office accused Lopera of draining the funds via his Encadesa business, which had been given exclusive rights to administer the earnings produced by the club.

As vice-chairman Lopera saved Betis from going under in 1992 and later became president before going on to own the club.

He renamed Betis's stadium after himself in 2000 when renovation work began on the ground, but was replaced as president by Jose Leon Gomez in July 2006.

Betis have endured a difficult season in La Liga, and currently sit in 13th place, just three points above the relegation zone.

Reuters / Tom Williams / Eurosport