Today, using the example of Klubi Sportiv Skenderbeu v. UEFA (2006/A/4650) case, we will see whether it is possible to participate in UEFA competitions if the club is involved in match fixing activities.
Klubi was an Albanian Football Club which attracted the attention of UEFA’s Betting Fraud Detection System. That system identified more than 50 Klubi matches where the results were allegedly manipulated for betting purposes. After reviewing all of the evidence available to it, UEFA was “more than convinced” that match-fixing activities had taken place and declared the Club ineligible to participate. The Club appealed to CAS.
The Panel held that the UEFA Appeals Body decision was designed to protect UEFA’s reputation and integrity and did not constitute a disciplinary decision.
UEFA identified four Club matches that occurred in 2015 in which unusual activity occurred, including inexplicable conduct of some players. UEFA relied on the UEFA Betting Fraud Detection System (BFDS) reports which were corroborated with video footage. The Panel noted that analytical information from BFDS was valuable, particularly if corroborated by further evidence, as it was in this case. There was evidence of suspicious activity by players, suspicions raised by an opponent following the match and the fact that a prominent Asian bookmaker removed the Club from live markets before the end of the game. The Panel found that the conclusion reached by the BFDS was fully justified.
According to UEFA Rules, there was no requirement to find the Club directly culpable in order for it to be declared ineligible to participate; the behaviour of one or more players causes the “indirect involvement” of a club. The Club was therefore at least indirectly involved in match-fixing activities and UEFA has proven its case to the Panel’s comfortable satisfaction. The Panel upheld UEFA’s decision to declare the club ineligible.
