Juventus Expelled from Europa Conference League by UEFA and Fined for FFP Violations
UEFA has taken action against Juventus for breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules and has consequently removed them from this season's Europa Conference League. Additionally, the club has been fined £17.14m. The violations in question are related to transactions that occurred between 2012 and 2019.
Similarly, Chelsea has also faced repercussions for FFP breaches, resulting from "submitting incomplete financial information." The London club has been fined £8.57m. Notably, Chelsea's fine pertains to a seven-year period during Roman Abramovich's ownership, even though significant player investments occurred after Todd Boehly took charge in May 2022.
However, there is an avenue for Juventus to reduce their fine. If the club complies with regulations and maintains sound financial records for the next three years, they will only need to pay half of the imposed penalty. On the other hand, Chelsea has already agreed to pay the settlement figure.
In response to the fine, Chelsea's new ownership identified potential issues with incomplete financial reporting under the club's previous ownership and proactively reported them to UEFA after their takeover in May 2022.
Due to Juventus' expulsion, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) must notify UEFA of the replacement club for the Europa Conference League. Fiorentina is the likely candidate, having finished eighth in Serie A and reaching last year's final before being defeated by West Ham.
Juventus Accepts Uefa's Decision Amidst FFP Sanctions
Juventus faced further consequences for their past transfer dealings as they were docked 10 Serie A points last season. The club received an initial 15-point penalty in January, but Italy's highest sporting court overturned that decision in April and called for a re-examination of the case. Unfortunately, this sanction prevented them from finishing fourth and qualifying for the next season's Champions League.
In response to the charge, Juventus has chosen to accept Uefa's decision and will not lodge an appeal. Club president Gianluca Ferrero expressed regret over Uefa's ruling and disagreed with their interpretation of the club's defense. Nevertheless, Juventus remains convinced of the legitimacy of their actions and the strength of their arguments.
However, despite their conviction, Juventus decided not to pursue further appeals, citing the uncertainty of outcomes and timing associated with additional levels of judgment. The club is aware that further appeals could impact their eventual participation in the 2024/25 Uefa Champions League.
The Final Blow: Juventus Accepts Punishment for Financial Manipulation
While Juventus continues to maintain their innocence, their decision not to appeal against the punishment marks the culmination of a severe blow to the club for attempting to manipulate financial regulations to conceal substantial losses and bolster player acquisitions.
Besides the 10-point deduction imposed in May, key officials, including former vice-chair Pavel Nedved and sporting director Fabio Paratici (who has since moved to Tottenham), faced fines from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
Now, UEFA has rendered its verdict.
In response to the issues that came to light, Juventus has undergone significant management changes. Furthermore, they have shown intent to distance themselves from the European Super League project, which former chairman Andrea Agnelli fervently supported.
However, as a consequence of their actions, Juventus will miss out on European football for the first time since the 2011-12 season. Nevertheless, considering they secured the Serie A title in that very season, marking the first of nine consecutive victories, they may perceive it as a favorable omen.
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