European football club prohibited from participating in the Champions League for ten years, according to UEFA decisions.
FK Arsenal Tivat, a Montenegrin football club, has been barred from participating in UEFA club competitions for the next ten years, following an investigation into match-fixing allegations during the 2023/24 UEFA Europa Conference League.
The ban, which includes the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, was imposed due to alleged violations of UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations, specifically articles 11 and 12, which concern general principles of conduct and the integrity of matches and competitions, respectively.
The case in question involved a qualifying tie with Armenian side Alashkert FC. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, but Arsenal Tivat lost 6-1 in the second leg. Indications of match-fixing were reported by several media outlets, and high bets were placed on several bookmakers towards the end of the first half, expecting at least two more goals in that period.
In addition to the ban, UEFA imposed a fine of €500,000 on the club. Furthermore, UEFA has requested FIFA to extend the ban worldwide, ensuring that FK Arsenal Tivat cannot participate in any international competitions outside of Europe during this period.
Three other professionals from FK Arsenal Tivat were banned for ten years, and one player and one club official received lifetime bans. However, the identities of these individuals have not been publicly disclosed.
Christos Psomiadis, an individual involved, has been handed an eight-year ban from football-related activities. UEFA will also ask FIFA to extend the bans worldwide for the implicated individuals.
The ban will take effect from the beginning of the 2024/25 season and will last until the end of the 2033-34 season. There is a slight discrepancy in the reporting of the ban's end date, with some sources stating it will end before the 2034/35 season.
This ban represents one of the most severe penalties given to a club for match-fixing, surpassing the eight-year ban given to FK Pobeda of North Macedonia in 2009.
However, the article does not provide any information about the potential consequences for FK Arsenal Tivat beyond the ban and fine, or for Alashkert FC, the Armenian club involved in the qualifying tie.
The European Union, in general-news, is yet to comment on UEFA's decision to bar FK Arsenal Tivat, a Montenegrin football club, from participating in various sports events like football, including the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, for ten years due to match-fixing allegations.
Despite the ban, crime-and-justice authorities continue to investigate other individuals involved in this match-fixing case, including an individual named Christos Psomiadis, who has received an eight-year ban from football-related activities.
