Football: UEFA sanctions 23 clubs

Uefa has imposed its first financial fair play sanctions by momentarily withholding prize money from 23 clubs who have failed to comply with the rules, according to the BBC. Europa League winners Atletico Madrid, Malaga, Sporting and Fenerbahce are among those under investigation. Clubs face further scrutiny because of delayed payments to other clubs, employees or tax authorities. European football’s governing body introduced the rules to compel clubs to function within their means. The 23 clubs have been given a deadline of September 30 to prove that their finances are in order. Teams playing in all Uefa club competitions have been monitored since the start of the 2011-12 season. The are tasked with breaking even in 2012 and 2013 and being assessed during the 2013-14 season.


Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2012.