Kevin LustigAnother Champions League scandal, now in Romania
June 5th 2008 15:59
Steaua Bucharest, who finished second in Romania's Liga I this season, have been given a seven point deduction for bribery due to actions on the part of owner Gigi Becali.
Romanian officials announced the penalty in the wake of an investigation focused on the final match of the season. Steaua Bucharest were locked in a tight race this season with CFR Cluj, and Becali is accused of offering US$2.6 million to their opponents in their last match in return for victory and the Romanian championship. In the end, Steaua finished second to CFR Cluj, earning Romania's second spot in the Champions League.
The penalty will not affect Steaua's results in the Romanian league, as they earned more than a seven point cushion over third-placed club Rapid Bucharest. However, Gigi Becali received a two year expulsion from Romanian stadiums. Furthermore, the bribery penalty would seem to leave Steaua in violation of UEFA's anti-match-fixing regulations and is expected to bring down sanctions from Europe's top footballing body, potentially including a Champions League ban. If they receive such a ban, they will be the second club to be blocked from participating in the Champions League this season for match fixing after FC Porto received word yesterday that they would not be permitted to take part.
Rapid Bucharest will take Steaua's position in the Champions League Third Qualifying Round if Steaua are sanctioned by UEFA.
Romanian officials announced the penalty in the wake of an investigation focused on the final match of the season. Steaua Bucharest were locked in a tight race this season with CFR Cluj, and Becali is accused of offering US$2.6 million to their opponents in their last match in return for victory and the Romanian championship. In the end, Steaua finished second to CFR Cluj, earning Romania's second spot in the Champions League.
The penalty will not affect Steaua's results in the Romanian league, as they earned more than a seven point cushion over third-placed club Rapid Bucharest. However, Gigi Becali received a two year expulsion from Romanian stadiums. Furthermore, the bribery penalty would seem to leave Steaua in violation of UEFA's anti-match-fixing regulations and is expected to bring down sanctions from Europe's top footballing body, potentially including a Champions League ban. If they receive such a ban, they will be the second club to be blocked from participating in the Champions League this season for match fixing after FC Porto received word yesterday that they would not be permitted to take part.
Rapid Bucharest will take Steaua's position in the Champions League Third Qualifying Round if Steaua are sanctioned by UEFA.
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