By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Juventus Football Club are kicked out of next season’s Conference League on Friday for breaching financial fair play rules, Uefa announced.
The Italian giants were also fined €20 million with half that amount suspended.
“Juventus violated Uefa’s regulatory framework…and it was decided to exclude Juventus from the 2023/24 Uefa men’s club competition,” said a Uefa statement.
The case against Juventus follows a 718 000 euro fine as part of of a settlement agreement with Italian football authorities over a case concerning payment of player salaries.
Juventus had also been docked 10 Serie A points last season following a hearing into the club’s past transfer dealings.
They were initially handed a 15-point penalty in January but Italy’s highest sporting court overturned that decision in April and ordered the case to be re-examined.
They would have finished fourth and qualified for next season’s Champions League had they not been sanctioned.
In response to the charge, Juventus said they accept Uefa’s decision and will not be lodging an appeal.
Club president Gianluca Ferrero said: “We regret the decision of the Uefa. We do not share the interpretation that has been given of our defence, and we remain firmly convinced of the legitimacy of our actions and the validity of our arguments.
“However, we have decided not to appeal this judgment.
“Lodging an appeal, possibly to other levels of judgement, with uncertain outcomes and timing, would increase the uncertainty with respect to our eventual participation in the 2024/25 Uefa Champions League.”