UEFA Adjusts Sanctions Against Arsenal Tivat

Montenegrin football club FK Arsenal Tivat has secured a partial victory in its appeal against UEFA’s disciplinary rulings, resulting in a reduced seven-year ban from European competitions. The decision follows an investigation into alleged match-fixing during their 2023-24 Europa Conference League qualifier against Armenia’s Alashkert FC.

Case Background

• Arsenal Tivat initially received a 10-year ban and a €500,000 fine in July after UEFA found violations of Article 11 (conduct principles) and Article 12 (match integrity).
• The club lost 6-1 at home to Alashkert after a 1-1 away draw, triggering suspicions of manipulated outcomes.

Appeal Outcomes

• Ban Reduction: The UEFA Appeals Body shortened the exclusion period to seven years, now expiring after the 2031-32 season.
• Fine Adjustment: Penalty reduced to €400,000.
• Player Reprieve: Goalkeeper Dusan Puletic’s 10-year suspension was fully overturned, allowing him to resume play immediately.

Wider Implications

• Lifetime bans for official Ranko Krgovic and player Nikola Celebic remain unchanged.
• The case underscores UEFA’s intensified focus on combating match-fixing and enforcing anti-corruption measures in European football.

Club Status

Despite the sanctions, Arsenal Tivat retained its position in Montenegro’s First League after winning a relegation play-off in 2023. The reduced ban offers a glimmer of hope for future European aspirations post-2032.

Source: UEFA Disciplinary Reports, Getty Images