After reaching the semi-finals in the previous season’s Europa League, Juventus now faces expulsion from the current season of the Europa Conference League. The disqualification by UEFA comes in light of the club’s violation of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, which also resulted in a fine.
The governing entity of European football has also imposed a fine on Chelsea for failing to comply with FFP rules, attributing this violation to the submission of incomplete financial information. The concerned transactions occurred between 2012 and 2019, according to UEFA.
Juventus faces a hefty fine of £17.14 million, while Chelsea has been slapped with a £8.57 million penalty. Juventus will be eligible for a 50% reduction in their fine if they can ensure their financial records adhere to regulations over the coming three years. Chelsea has already consented to pay the agreed settlement.
Under new owner Todd Boehly, who took over in May 2022, Chelsea has invested approximately £600 million in acquiring 19 new players. Nevertheless, the fine pertains to financial dealings over a seven-year duration under the management of former owner, Roman Abramovich. UEFA revealed, “The instances of potentially incomplete financial reporting under the club’s previous ownership were identified and voluntarily reported to UEFA by the new management following the club’s sale in May 2022.”
It is now up to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to inform UEFA about the club that will replace Juventus in the third-tier European competition. It is speculated that Fiorentina, who finished eighth in Serie A and were last year’s runners-up, losing to West Ham in the finals, will take Juventus’ place.
This action against Juventus follows a prior €718,000 (£620,000) fine agreed upon with Italian football authorities relating to player salary payments. Juventus had also been deducted 10 Serie A points last season following an inquiry into the club’s past transfer dealings.
Initially, they were penalized with a 15-point deduction in January, but this decision was later reversed in April by Italy’s topmost sports court, which demanded a re-evaluation of the case. Without the sanction, Juventus would have secured a fourth-place finish, ensuring their qualification for the next Champions League season.
Responding to the charge, Juventus acknowledged UEFA’s decision and announced they would not file an appeal. Club president Gianluca Ferrero expressed his disappointment with UEFA’s decision, stating, “We disagree with the interpretation of our defense and stand firm in our conviction of the legitimacy of our actions and the strength of our arguments. Nonetheless, we have chosen not to challenge this judgment.” He further explained that an appeal might add to the uncertainty surrounding their potential participation in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League due to unpredictable outcomes and timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UEFA Financial Fair Play violations
Why has Juventus been expelled from the Europa Conference League?
Juventus has been expelled from the Europa Conference League due to violations of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
How much has Juventus been fined by UEFA?
Juventus has been fined £17.14 million by UEFA for breaching Financial Fair Play rules. They could have their fine halved if they comply with financial regulations over the next three years.
Which other football club has been fined by UEFA for breaching FFP rules?
Chelsea Football Club has also been fined by UEFA for breaching Financial Fair Play rules. The fine amounts to £8.57 million.
What period do the breaches of FFP rules relate to?
The breaches of the FFP rules, as announced by UEFA, relate to transactions which took place between 2012 and 2019.
Who is expected to replace Juventus in the Europa Conference League?
It is expected that Fiorentina, who finished eighth in Serie A and were runners-up in the previous year’s final, will replace Juventus in the Europa Conference League.
Will Juventus appeal the decision?
Juventus has stated that they will not appeal UEFA’s decision, despite not agreeing with UEFA’s interpretation of their defense.
More about UEFA Financial Fair Play violations
- UEFA’s Financial Fair Play Regulations
- Juventus FC Official Statement
- Chelsea FC Official Statement
- UEFA Official Press Release
- Overview of the Europa Conference League
6 comments
wonder what this means for future transfer dealings. might put a dampener on things!
FFP rules getting real strict now. wonder who’s next on the hit list?
This is a disaster for juve. Who’s gonna represent Italy now? Fiorentina?
so if they’d not been fined, juve would’ve been in the champs league next season? that’s rough…
never thought I’d see the day when Juventus got kicked out of a comp. 2023 really is wild!
didn’t realize Chelsea’s finances under Abramovich were so messy, hope Boehly has a better handle on things!