Juventus were banned from European continental competitions for the next season over breaches of the financial fair play (FFP) regulations. The ban was expected given the club were deducted 10 points in Serie A last season due to the same FFP violation which put them out of contention for the Champions League places. They qualified for the third-tier UEFA Europa Conference League. However, will now be stripped of their privilege. This is not the first time Juventus are facing a ban from Europe. They previously lost European action for two seasons from 2006 to 2008 due to the Calciopoli corruption scandal.
Juventus reacted to the ruling but they clarified in a club statement that they would not be appealing against the ruling. “We regret the decision of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body,” Juventus president Gianluca Ferrero said in a statement on the club’s website. “We do not share the interpretation that has been given of our defense and we remain firmly convinced of the legitimacy of our actions and the validity of our arguments. However, we have decided not to appeal this judgment. Despite this painful decision, we can now face the new season by focusing on the field and not on the courts,” he added.
Chelsea were fined $11 million for FFP violations
In a separate ruling on the same day, Premier League side Chelsea FC were fined $11 million for submitting incorrect financial information from 2012 to 2019 when the club was owned by Roman Abramovich. Earlier in May, Chelsea’s current owners reported “potentially incomplete financial reporting under the club’s previous ownership”, as stated by the UEFA.
“In accordance with the club’s ownership group’s core principles of full compliance and transparency with its regulators, we are grateful that this case has been concluded by proactive disclosure of information to UEFA and a settlement that fully resolves the reported matters,” Chelsea said in a statement in response to the ruling. “Chelsea greatly values its relationship with UEFA and looks forward to building on that relationship in the years to come,” the London Club further added.
Here’s how fans reacted:
VARdrid next ?
— Eibar Lite (@Eibar_Lite) July 28, 2023
Plastic city next
— ? (@hoodedharden) July 28, 2023
Because Juventus doesn't have money like Man City.
— Rash ™ (@Rashousmane) July 28, 2023
The difference is that City has more money for bribes
— Lips reading Gooner (@Don__Gatto) July 28, 2023
Ban Manchester City next
— NK???? (@sangarestan) July 28, 2023
All the cry babies under this tweet
— Bigdaddytoya (@okmcmiller) July 28, 2023
@ManCity you're next
— Deji ??? (@dejioladeinde5) July 29, 2023
Juventus is always in hot water
— Mmeli (@MbuthumaPrince) July 28, 2023