The Champions League, glamour, goals, greatness and, occasionally, full-on bans. Yep, while most clubs dream of walking out under the bright lights of Europe’s elite, a few have been firmly shut out by UEFA over the years.
From match-fixing to financial funny business, here are four clubs that UEFA said a big fat “No” to.
1. Besiktas – Banned for Match-Fixing (2013)
Turkish giants Besiktas have had their fair share of European nights, but 2013 wasn’t one of them. UEFA slapped them with a one-year ban for their alleged involvement in a domestic match-fixing scandal. Even after appealing, the ban stuck. No Champions League, no Europa League, just a long awkward season at home.
2. Fenerbahce – Out for Two Seasons (2013)
Also in Turkey, Fenerbahce weren’t spared either. Caught in the same shady storm, they were hit with a two-year UEFA ban for similar match-fixing allegations. While they were still trying to fight the decision, they faced Arsenal in a Champions League qualifier and lost. Double whammy.
3. Juventus – Suspended for FFP Violations (2023/24)
It’s not just the smaller clubs. Juventus, the Italian powerhouse, were banned from UEFA competitions for the 2023/24 season. Why? Alleged violations of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. The Old Lady got caught cooking the books, and UEFA wasn’t having it. No Champions League, no Europa, just damage control.
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4. FK Pobeda – A Staggering 8-Year Ban (2009)
North Macedonia’s FK Pobeda might not be a household name, but their UEFA ban made headlines. In 2009, the club received a jaw-dropping eight-year ban for allegedly manipulating the result of a 2004 Champions League qualifier against Armenia’s FC Pyunik. Irregular betting patterns raised red flags and UEFA dropped the hammer.
The Almost-Banned: Manchester City’s Close Call
And who could forget Manchester City’s brush with disaster? In 2020, they were handed a two-year UEFA ban for “serious breaches” of FFP. But thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the decision was overturned. City walked free, rich, relieved, and ready to rack up more silverware.
UEFA doesn’t play when it comes to discipline. Whether you’re a Turkish titan, an Italian icon, or a small club with shady betting trails, break the rules, and the doors to Europe’s biggest stage can slam shut fast.
So next time you hear that Champions League anthem, remember: not every club gets to sing along.
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