Four Clubs Banned from UEFA Champions League Over Scandals and Rule Breaches

Only four clubs in UEFA history have been outright banned from participating in the prestigious Champions League, each due to serious violations ranging from match-fixing to financial misconduct. These suspensions not only barred them from Europe’s top competition but also had long-lasting impacts on their reputations and finances.

Here’s a breakdown of the four banned clubs:

1. Beşiktaş (Turkey) – One-Year Ban (2013)

After defeating Tromsø in the Champions League qualifiers, Beşiktaş were disqualified mid-tournament due to their involvement in a domestic match-fixing scandal. Their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was dismissed, and Tromsø was reinstated.

2. Fenerbahçe (Turkey) – Two-Year Ban (2013–15)

In the same scandal that involved Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe received a two-year ban from all UEFA competitions. Although they appealed, the CAS upheld UEFA’s ruling, delivering a major blow to their continental ambitions.

3. Juventus (Italy) – One-Year Ban (2023/24)

Juventus were excluded from UEFA competitions for the 2023–24 season over breaches of Financial Fair Play regulations. This severe action followed an investigation into the club’s handling of finances and asset reporting .

4. FK Pobeda (North Macedonia) – Eight-Year Ban (2009–17)

Pobeda received the longest ban in Champions League history — eight years — after being found guilty of match manipulation in a 2009 qualifier. Alongside the team, the club president and a player received lifetime bans from all football-related activities.

Why These Bans Matter

UEFA’s bans illustrate the governing body’s dual commitment to sporting integrity and financial responsibility:

• Match-fixing undermines trust in results and damages reputations.
• Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules ensure clubs operate sustainably without overspending.

These high-profile exclusions serve as warnings to other clubs that UEFA will act decisively to maintain fair competition.