UEFA appeal body on Friday annulled the decision to exclude from Porto next season of Champions League.
The initial decision was taken by UEFA's disciplinary committee, which will now have the chance to examine the case after their initial decision was rejected after new evidence came to light.
A UEFA statement read: "The appeals body UEFA met today to hear the appeal filed by Porto against the decision by the UEFA control and disciplinary Wednesday, June 4, in which the club Portuguese have not been admitted to the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League.
"The Appeals Chamber decided, in light of new evidence presented in relation to the Portuguese national appeal procedures, to refer the matter to control and disciplinary body revaluation."
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Steaua Bucharest could be thrown out from Champions League
Steaua Bucharest could be discarded the next season of the Champions League after a corruption scandal in Romania.
Steaua were moored in their National League and finished second in the table - and UEFA are planning to expel the next season of European campaigns.
Porto have already been excluded for the 2008/09 tournament after being found guilty of attempting to bribe the referees during the during the 2004 campaign. The Portuguese club have appealed the decision.
UEFA President Michel Platini said: "UEFA has to fight against cheating. It was the attempted bribery of referees and we have very strict rules to allow us to exclude teams who have participated in any attempt at corruption.
"This is an integral part of all my projects - we will be very strict on cheating and cheaters. They will be excluded because we want to clean football."
Steaua were moored in their National League and finished second in the table - and UEFA are planning to expel the next season of European campaigns.
Porto have already been excluded for the 2008/09 tournament after being found guilty of attempting to bribe the referees during the during the 2004 campaign. The Portuguese club have appealed the decision.
UEFA President Michel Platini said: "UEFA has to fight against cheating. It was the attempted bribery of referees and we have very strict rules to allow us to exclude teams who have participated in any attempt at corruption.
"This is an integral part of all my projects - we will be very strict on cheating and cheaters. They will be excluded because we want to clean football."
Thursday, June 5, 2008
CSKA Sofia excluded from next Champions League
SOFIA, June 5 - Bulgarian champions CSKA Sofia have been excluded from the next season of the Champions League after failing to meet criteria for granting licences, the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) said Thursday.
"CSKA will not participate in the 2008-2009 of UEFA Champions League because it is a final decision," the BFU said in a statement.
CSKA won their 31 th Bulgarian league title this season and earned a spot in Champions League third qualifying round, but was unable to meet the BFU the Licensing Commission.
UEFA, European football of the organization and the organizers of the Champions League, were not available for comment.
The Balkan country's most successful club, which mark their 60th anniversary last month, owe money to the National Social Security Institute, the National Revenue Agency and creditors.
CSKA President Alexandar Tomov accepted responsibility for his team of failure and announced his resignation.
"I have to do," said Tomov. "It's me and me alone who is to blame."
"I will not blame one of my subordinates, because I am the first figure and all eyes on me."
Tomov said in a statement on CSKA's official website, it would be replaced by CEO Emil Kostadinov, a former CSKA player.
"I will continue to assist the club in the future," said Tomov.
Many supporters CSKA Tomov criticized for not making the club finances in order and he was insulted by fans during a chaotic press conference on Tuesday and hit by a bottle thrown outside the club stage Bulgarska Armiya.
CSKA fans will gather at a meeting in Sofia on Friday to protest against the policies of the club.
"It's a shame," Dimitar Angelov, the president of fan club told reporters. "It's a great coup not only for CSKA supporters but to all Bulgarian citizens".
CSKA could also be expelled from the national league and forced to play in the country enthusiasts the third division.
The BFU said he would consider the matter at a meeting of the Executive Committee.
Portuguese champions Porto have been excluded from the next season of the Champions League on Wednesday for allegedly bribing referees in the 2003-4 season.
"CSKA will not participate in the 2008-2009 of UEFA Champions League because it is a final decision," the BFU said in a statement.
CSKA won their 31 th Bulgarian league title this season and earned a spot in Champions League third qualifying round, but was unable to meet the BFU the Licensing Commission.
UEFA, European football of the organization and the organizers of the Champions League, were not available for comment.
The Balkan country's most successful club, which mark their 60th anniversary last month, owe money to the National Social Security Institute, the National Revenue Agency and creditors.
CSKA President Alexandar Tomov accepted responsibility for his team of failure and announced his resignation.
"I have to do," said Tomov. "It's me and me alone who is to blame."
"I will not blame one of my subordinates, because I am the first figure and all eyes on me."
Tomov said in a statement on CSKA's official website, it would be replaced by CEO Emil Kostadinov, a former CSKA player.
"I will continue to assist the club in the future," said Tomov.
Many supporters CSKA Tomov criticized for not making the club finances in order and he was insulted by fans during a chaotic press conference on Tuesday and hit by a bottle thrown outside the club stage Bulgarska Armiya.
CSKA fans will gather at a meeting in Sofia on Friday to protest against the policies of the club.
"It's a shame," Dimitar Angelov, the president of fan club told reporters. "It's a great coup not only for CSKA supporters but to all Bulgarian citizens".
CSKA could also be expelled from the national league and forced to play in the country enthusiasts the third division.
The BFU said he would consider the matter at a meeting of the Executive Committee.
Portuguese champions Porto have been excluded from the next season of the Champions League on Wednesday for allegedly bribing referees in the 2003-4 season.
Pinto da Costa confident in next Champions League
Porto president Pinto da Costa remains confident his side will participate in the next season of the Champions League.
The Portuguese giants have been excluded yesterday of Europe's elite club competition next season following a corruption scandal that the shadow of their recent conquest SuperLiga.
They were also hit with a six-point deduction after being found guilty of attempting to bribe the referees during the 2003/04 campaign.
Porto have already declared their appeal and Pinto da Costa is optimistic the decision will ultimately in their favour.
He told Portuguese broadcaster SIC: "We are calm and confident that we will play in the Champions League.
"In fact, we were expecting this decision by UEFA.
"We do not consider ourselves to the Champions League. We are already working on the appeal, both in Portugal and Switzerland. We are convinced that we will compete in the Champions League next season. We are confident about this. "
The Portuguese giants have been excluded yesterday of Europe's elite club competition next season following a corruption scandal that the shadow of their recent conquest SuperLiga.
They were also hit with a six-point deduction after being found guilty of attempting to bribe the referees during the 2003/04 campaign.
Porto have already declared their appeal and Pinto da Costa is optimistic the decision will ultimately in their favour.
He told Portuguese broadcaster SIC: "We are calm and confident that we will play in the Champions League.
"In fact, we were expecting this decision by UEFA.
"We do not consider ourselves to the Champions League. We are already working on the appeal, both in Portugal and Switzerland. We are convinced that we will compete in the Champions League next season. We are confident about this. "
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Levski Spartak replace CSKA Sofia
SOFIA, June 4 - Bulgarian league runners-up Levski Spartak replace champions CSKA Sofia in the next season of the Champions League if their local rivals are banned from European competition, Levski owner Todor Batkov said Wednesday.
The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) said on Tuesday CSKA facing a European ban and the expulsion of the National League after failing to meet criteria for granting licences. CSKA President Alexandar Tomov said that his club would appeal.
Batkov said Levski were not ready for the Champions League but take part to avoid possible sanctions.
"Morally and a sporting point of view, we are not ready for the Champions League but we must examine our situation that we will be punished if we refuse to take part," said Batkov Nova TV.
CSKA won their 31 th league title a month ago to win a place in the Champions League third qualifying round, which will now their traditional enemies, who finished second in the national championship.
"One way or another, Bulgaria has one (Champions League) quota and I think it is normal to fill the vacancy," Batkov said.
"The mercy of UEFA CSKA is the only chance to keep their Champions League. In my opinion, however, the chances of that happening are very slim."
The BFU said CSKA did not meet the BFU Licensing Commission because the conditions the club owes money to the National Social Security Institute, the National Revenue Agency and creditors.
The BFU sent a letter asking the UEFA European governing body to give CSKA an extension to meet the criteria.
Levski became the first Bulgarian club to contest the Champions League group stage in 2006 and the prospect of playing in the biggest European club tournament has once again given fans cause for optimism.
"It's incredible, 'Levski fan Valentin Angelov. "We should be called" The idiots of Europe if we missed the chance to play against the top continental clubs. "
The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) said on Tuesday CSKA facing a European ban and the expulsion of the National League after failing to meet criteria for granting licences. CSKA President Alexandar Tomov said that his club would appeal.
Batkov said Levski were not ready for the Champions League but take part to avoid possible sanctions.
"Morally and a sporting point of view, we are not ready for the Champions League but we must examine our situation that we will be punished if we refuse to take part," said Batkov Nova TV.
CSKA won their 31 th league title a month ago to win a place in the Champions League third qualifying round, which will now their traditional enemies, who finished second in the national championship.
"One way or another, Bulgaria has one (Champions League) quota and I think it is normal to fill the vacancy," Batkov said.
"The mercy of UEFA CSKA is the only chance to keep their Champions League. In my opinion, however, the chances of that happening are very slim."
The BFU said CSKA did not meet the BFU Licensing Commission because the conditions the club owes money to the National Social Security Institute, the National Revenue Agency and creditors.
The BFU sent a letter asking the UEFA European governing body to give CSKA an extension to meet the criteria.
Levski became the first Bulgarian club to contest the Champions League group stage in 2006 and the prospect of playing in the biggest European club tournament has once again given fans cause for optimism.
"It's incredible, 'Levski fan Valentin Angelov. "We should be called" The idiots of Europe if we missed the chance to play against the top continental clubs. "
Friday, May 30, 2008
Predrag Mijatovic confident Real Madrid win the Champions League
MADRID, May 30 (Primera Liga) - Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic is confident the Spanish giants have enough talent at their disposal to win the Champions League even if they do not make any further signings this summer.
Madrid have been linked to a number of players, most notably Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, but aside from Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay, who will stay with former club Racing Santander on loan next season, the two-time reigning Primera Liga giants have been quiet on the transfer front.
Mijatovic has already insisted Madrid are only looking to add quality rather than quantity, and he believes even if there are no new faces next season, coach Bernd Schuster will still have a team that can conquer Europe.
'I have no doubt that with the current team we could win the Champions League, "Mijatovic said on Radio Marca.
'We need to respect the players that are here because they have done well. There is a solid team, with high-quality players and if we make signings it will be to improve what is there, otherwise I'd prefer not to sign anyone.
'We are not worried about the reinforcements. There are other teams who have more need than us to sign, such as Barca, Milan and Valencia, who have to do the work that we have already done. "
Mijatovic also dismissed the possibility of bringing former striker Samuel Eto'o back from Barcelona as' mission impossible ', while he was adamant Ruud van Nistelrooy would not be exiting the Bernabeu this summer.
'We totally discard the possibility that Ruud will leave Real Madrid,' he added.
Madrid have been linked to a number of players, most notably Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, but aside from Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay, who will stay with former club Racing Santander on loan next season, the two-time reigning Primera Liga giants have been quiet on the transfer front.
Mijatovic has already insisted Madrid are only looking to add quality rather than quantity, and he believes even if there are no new faces next season, coach Bernd Schuster will still have a team that can conquer Europe.
'I have no doubt that with the current team we could win the Champions League, "Mijatovic said on Radio Marca.
'We need to respect the players that are here because they have done well. There is a solid team, with high-quality players and if we make signings it will be to improve what is there, otherwise I'd prefer not to sign anyone.
'We are not worried about the reinforcements. There are other teams who have more need than us to sign, such as Barca, Milan and Valencia, who have to do the work that we have already done. "
Mijatovic also dismissed the possibility of bringing former striker Samuel Eto'o back from Barcelona as' mission impossible ', while he was adamant Ruud van Nistelrooy would not be exiting the Bernabeu this summer.
'We totally discard the possibility that Ruud will leave Real Madrid,' he added.
Porto wait over Champions League place
Porto will find next month whether they will be allowed to enter the next season of the Champions League, UEFA have confirmed.
The Portuguese Giants stormed the SuperLiga title, but their achievement was overshadowed by a point-six have received deduction for trying to bribe the referees during the 2003/04 campaign.
Porto had 20 points ahead of the challengers Sporting Lisbon closest yet with a game where the penalty is applied if it did not stop to be crowned champions.
But the criteria for admission to the Champions League club States "should not be or have been involved in any activity aimed at organizing or influence the outcome of a match at national or international level."
This could mean problems for Porto, with UEFA admitting the situation was "under consideration".
"It is the Portuguese League (PSSA) Firstly, a spokesman for a UEFA said Tuesday. "We have to wait until they present us with a list of clubs demand d '. Once UEFA obtain this list then we can take a decision.
"We will consider the request, check that all points are good, they adhere to all criteria for admission and if they do then there is no problem. It is hypothetical at the moment to say whether Porto would be prohibited, I can not comment on this point.
"But this is something that is viewed and will be decided in early June. Whatever happens Porto will be allowed to appeal".
AC Milan were initially banned from the Champions League 2006/07 following the Italian match-fixing scandal, but have succeeded in their appeal and continued to participate - and win - the European title.
Porto triumphed in Europe the first club competition twice in 2004 and 1987, and reached the last 16 this season before being hit by sanctions Schalke.
The PSSA say that, having won their third title, Porto son name will be on the list they submit to UEFA.
"Porto have already been sanctioned by the League," head of communications PSSA said Ivo Caldeira. And they decided not to appeal if the matter is sorted according to what we are concerned.
"We analyzed everything and we decided to retain six points because of their attempts at corruption. This was a punishment if it was to us, we would play in the Champions League.
"The ball is now with UEFA."
If Porto are kicked on competition Benfica, who finished fourth, take their place.
The Portuguese Giants stormed the SuperLiga title, but their achievement was overshadowed by a point-six have received deduction for trying to bribe the referees during the 2003/04 campaign.
Porto had 20 points ahead of the challengers Sporting Lisbon closest yet with a game where the penalty is applied if it did not stop to be crowned champions.
But the criteria for admission to the Champions League club States "should not be or have been involved in any activity aimed at organizing or influence the outcome of a match at national or international level."
This could mean problems for Porto, with UEFA admitting the situation was "under consideration".
"It is the Portuguese League (PSSA) Firstly, a spokesman for a UEFA said Tuesday. "We have to wait until they present us with a list of clubs demand d '. Once UEFA obtain this list then we can take a decision.
"We will consider the request, check that all points are good, they adhere to all criteria for admission and if they do then there is no problem. It is hypothetical at the moment to say whether Porto would be prohibited, I can not comment on this point.
"But this is something that is viewed and will be decided in early June. Whatever happens Porto will be allowed to appeal".
AC Milan were initially banned from the Champions League 2006/07 following the Italian match-fixing scandal, but have succeeded in their appeal and continued to participate - and win - the European title.
Porto triumphed in Europe the first club competition twice in 2004 and 1987, and reached the last 16 this season before being hit by sanctions Schalke.
The PSSA say that, having won their third title, Porto son name will be on the list they submit to UEFA.
"Porto have already been sanctioned by the League," head of communications PSSA said Ivo Caldeira. And they decided not to appeal if the matter is sorted according to what we are concerned.
"We analyzed everything and we decided to retain six points because of their attempts at corruption. This was a punishment if it was to us, we would play in the Champions League.
"The ball is now with UEFA."
If Porto are kicked on competition Benfica, who finished fourth, take their place.
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