UEFA Bans Two Clubs From European Competition for 7 Years
- Two European clubs have been hit with lengthy seven-year suspensions, preventing them from taking part in any UEFA competitions
- The bans were imposed after serious breaches of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations, reflecting the governing body’s determination to enforce accountability
- The decision sends a clear message about UEFA’s zero-tolerance approach and serves as a major talking point across the continent’s football landscape
UEFA’s strict stance on integrity and fair play has led to severe sanctions against two European football clubs, each serving a seven-year ban from all continental competitions.
These punishments stem from disciplinary breaches, including match-fixing and corruption, underscoring UEFA’s commitment to protecting the credibility of European football.
Source: Getty Images
In recent years, UEFA has not hesitated to impose sweeping bans on clubs and even entire nations, most notably Russia.
Following the country’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2024, all Russian clubs were expelled from participating in UEFA tournaments, a sanction that remains in effect, per UEFA.
However, the governing body has also handed down lengthy suspensions to clubs outside of Russia, with two teams currently barred from continental competition until the end of the decade.
Two clubs banned by UEFA
The first of these is Latvian side FK Ventspils, who were expelled from UEFA tournaments in 2021 after being found guilty of fraud, bribery, and corruption, as well as violations of the integrity of matches and competitions.
UEFA’s investigation focused on a Europa League qualifying match against French outfit Bordeaux in July 2018. While Bordeaux was cleared of any wrongdoing, the case found evidence against Ventspils officials.
The club’s president, Adlan Shishkanov, received a lifetime ban from all football activities, while sports manager Nikolajs Djakins was suspended for four years.
UEFA requested that these sanctions be applied globally, ensuring that the individuals involved could not evade punishment by working elsewhere.
Although Ventspils’ seven-year suspension was set to run through the 2027/28 season, the club ceased to exist shortly after the ruling.
Financial turmoil led to its collapse in July 2021 and full liquidation by January 2024. Later that year, a phoenix club named JFK Ventspils emerged and began competing in Latvia’s second division.
It remains unclear whether UEFA’s ban extends to this new entity, which would only be affected if it qualifies for European competition, either by winning the Latvian Cup or achieving promotion and a top-three league finish.
Source: Getty Images
It remains unclear whether UEFA’s ban extends to this new entity, which would only be affected if it qualifies for European competition, either by winning the Latvian Cup or achieving promotion and a top-three league finish.
FK Arsenal banned by UEFA
The second club facing a similar fate is FK Arsenal Tivat of Montenegro. UEFA charged the team with match-fixing and breaches of conduct following a 2023 Europa Conference League tie against Armenian side Alashkert.
Initially handed a 10-year suspension, Arsenal Tivat successfully appealed to reduce their punishment to seven years, keeping them out of UEFA competitions until the 2031/32 season, according to Reuters.
The case also saw sanctions against several players, including defender Nikola Celebic, who was banned for life, while Cetko Manojlovic, Radule Zivkovic, and Dusan Paletic received 10-year suspensions, though Paletic’s was later overturned.
UEFA’s rulings serve as a stark reminder that corruption and match-fixing will not be tolerated, as the organisation continues its relentless pursuit of integrity within European football.
Arsenal make Champions League history
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Arsenal had made Champions League history after their commanding recent 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.
Viktor Gyökeres netted his first two UCL goals for the club as the Gunners delivered a scintillating second-half performance to dismantle Diego Simeone’s charges.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
