UEFA imposes European Cup ban on club, suspending participation until 2035
In a significant move, UEFA has imposed a ten-year ban on Montenegrin club FK Arsenal Tivat from participating in any UEFA-governed competitions, including the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League. The ban, effective immediately, means that the club will be barred from European competition until at least the 2034/35 season [1].
The decision comes following an investigation into alleged violations of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations during a match between Alashkert FC and FK Arsenal Tivat in July 2023. The charges relate to the integrity of matches and potential match-fixing [1]. Alongside the ban, the club has been fined €500,000 [1].
Christos Psomiadis, who is associated with the club, has also been handed an eight-year ban [1]. Sport director Ranko Krgovic and player Nikola Celebic have been banned for life by UEFA [1]. Three other professionals from FK Arsenal Tivat have also received ten-year bans [1].
The home loss to Alashkert FC, where FK Arsenal Tivat lost 1:6, is suspected to be a result of match-fixing [1]. The club drew 1:1 away against Alashkert FC, but the home loss is considered suspicious due to several high bets placed on several bookmakers towards the end of the first half, expecting at least two more goals in the half [2].
UEFA did not provide additional details about the match-fixing incident, but several media outlets report that these bets were indeed fulfilled in the match [2]. The organisation intends to ask FIFA to extend the bans worldwide [1].
This is the longest ban for a club since FK Pobeda of North Macedonia received an eight-year ban in 2009 [1]. The decision was made by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) after a thorough investigation and disciplinary proceedings [1].
Sources: [1] UEFA Official Statement: https://www.uefa.com/ multipage/news/index.html?id=2152772 [2] Various Media Outlets: BBC Sport, Sky Sports, ESPN, etc.
As a result of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations violation during a match, FK Arsenal Tivat has been barred from participating in various European football competitions, such as the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League. The ban, put in effect immediately, extends up to the 2034/35 season, marking a significant suspension in European football leagues.
The investigation into potential match-fixing led to charges related to the integrity of matches and other allegations, which ultimately resulted in UEFA-imposed fines and bans for several club members, including the sport director and three professionals from FK Arsenal Tivat. The home loss to Alashkert FC, where several unusual high bets were placed, is under suspicion for being a manipulated game.
