Brussels, 13/10/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has sent a letter of formal notice to Spain, asking it to present its comments on certain restrictions imposed on Community nationals by the Spanish Football Federation. Currently, Community nationals are refused licences to take part in amateur sporting competitions. The rule bans them from taking part in national competitions, and imposes an age limit (23) for certain regional competitions, which does not apply to Spanish players. The Commission has received complaints, and a petition has been delivered to the European Parliament. Taking the view that these restrictions run counter to Community law, especially to article 12 of the EC Treaty (which bans all discrimination on the basis of nationality), the Commission has called upon the Spanish government to submit its comments in the next two months. It has also asked sports ministers for information on regulations governing amateur sport. "The practice of an amateur sport is essential to European citizens, as it helps them to integrate more fully into the life of their host country", the Commission highlights, adding that ""the right to take part in certain competitions (…) should be regarded as a social benefit". The European executive points out that the Court of Justice has already recognised the right of EU citizens residing legally on the territory of the host Member State to take advantage of the same rights in terms of access to leisure activities (in amateur sports clubs, for instance) as nationals of this State.