FK Arsenal Tivat have been handed a lengthy ban by UEFA, which will see the Montenegro-based side unable to compete in European competition for 10 years.
As per The Sun, the charges are related to the integrity of matches, competitions and match-fixing. They have also been handed a massive fine, and one player has been banned for life.
Arsenal Tivat took part in the Europa Conference League during the 2023/24 season. However, the club were then investigated along with other individuals in relation to breaches of the UEFA disciplinary code during their tie with Alaskert FC.
They initially drew 1-1 away from home against the team from Armenia. The second leg aroused suspicion, though, as they were then thrashed 6-1 on home soil, resulting in a 7-2 aggregate defeat in July 2023.
Montenegrin FA Share Statement
"The charges against FK Arsenal Tivat relate to the general principles"
It has now been confirmed by the Montenegrin FA that Arsenal Tivat have been banned from competing in any European competitions for 10 years. What's more, a hefty fine of €500,000 (£432,000) has been dished out for breaching Articles 11 and 12.
A statement explained:
"The charges against FK Arsenal Tivat relate to the general principles of conduct under Article 11 of the UEFA Disciplinary Code and the integrity of matches and competitions (match fixing) under Article 12 of the UEFA Disciplinary Code.
"The decision of the CEDB in the case of FK Arsenal Tivat is a fine of €500,000 and the exclusion of FK Arsenal Tivat from participating in UEFA club competitions for ten years (i.e. up to and including the 2034/35 season) for breaching Articles 11 and 12 of the UEFA Disciplinary Code."
Per SportsBible, this ban is the longest received by a club since FK Pobena of North Macedonia received an eight-year ban back in 2009.
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Arsenal Tivat's Nikola Celebic Hit With Lifetime Suspension
Sporting Director Ranko Krgovic also faces a lengthy ban
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin smirking
Adding to the drama, as per a statement from UEFA, defender Nikola Celebic has been hit with a lifetime suspension from all football-related activities for match-fixing. It read:
"Mr. Nikola Celebic is banned from exercising any football-related activity for life, for the violation of Art. 11 and DR."
Sporting Director Ranko Krgovic faces strong punishment too, although his ban is for 10 years – as opposed to a life ban.
On top of those two punishments, six others have also been hit with varying bans. Players Cetko Manojlovic, Radul Zivkovic and Dusan Puletic won't play football again for 10 years, while official Milan Vignjevic has faced the same penalty. Goran Janjusevic and Christos Psomaidis will only be banned for six and eight years, respectively.
Things could get worse for Arsenal Tivat too, as the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body board is set to request that FIFA extend all the bans so they are in effect worldwide.