Fenerbahce’s Champions League Fate Looms as Match Fixing Charges Heard this Month

Turkish football team Fenerbahce could be banned from the Champions League once again after the club and five officials learned they would have their charges heard later in the month.

The side were banned from the 2011-12 competition and President Aziz Yildirim was jailed in July 2012 for six years for match-fixing.

A UEFA statement read: “Following the investigation into alleged match-fixing activities involving Fenerbahce, drugs the UEFA disciplinary inspector has now submitted his findings to the control and disciplinary body, in the context of disciplinary proceedings against this club and five club officials.

“This case will be heard by the UEFA control and disciplinary body on Saturday June 22.”

Besiktas have also been charged in a match-fixing case and Steaua Bucharest have had their proceedings opened after owner Gigi Becali was imprisoned for three years for offering a £1.5m ($2.3m) bribe to rival players to throw a game.

“Proceedings have also been opened against Besiktas and two club officials in relation to match-fixing activities which are alleged to have taken place during the 2011 Turkish Cup final,” the UEFA statement continued.

“Proceedings have also been opened against Steaua Bucharest on the basis of… the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League regulations, relating to the admission criteria for participation in UEFA competitions.”

Decisions will be announced the week starting 24 June.