UEFA sanctions: what Inter and Roma risk and why Juve could face harsher punishment

Inter and Roma could be prohibited from registering new players for UEFA competitions, while Juventus may face harsher punishments as they reportedly refused to discuss a settlement agreement.

According to The Times, the European football governing body is preparing to announce sanctions against at least ten clubs for breaching Financial Fair Play rules, including Juventus, Inter and Roma.

The Nerazzurri and the Giallorossi discussed a settlement agreement with UEFA over the last few months, while Juventus reportedly refused to do the same.

The Old Lady is still formally involved in the European Super League and is currently out of ECA along with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

UEFA have specified that “the CFCB (Club Financial Control Body) determines the type and extent of the disciplinary measures to be imposed, depending on the circumstances of the case,” adding that “in the event that the requirements set out in the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Sustainability Regulations are not fulfilled, the First Chamber may conclude a settlement agreement with the defendant.”

So what do Juve, Inter and Roma risk? UEFA has recently published a list of ‘disciplinary measures may be taken against any defendant/appellant.’

1. warning;
2. reprimand;
3. fine;
4. deduction of points;
5. withholding of revenues from a UEFA competition;
6. prohibition on registering new players in UEFA competitions;
7. restriction on the number of players that a club may register for participation in UEFA competitions, including a financial limit on the overall aggregate cost of players registered on the List A for the purpose of UEFA club competitions;
8. disqualification from competitions in progress and/or exclusion from future competitions;
9. withdrawal of a title or award.

Calcio&Finanza in Italy highlight that the CFCB has often decided that the break-even can be reached with a rehabilitative rather than punitive approach thanks to settlement agreements.

This has led to multiple agreements between UEFA and clubs, with the CFCB combining fines and sporting restrictions which should provide clubs with the tools to reach break-even short term.

UEFA explained new FFP regulations and break-even rules in March 2020, in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

• the assessment of financial year 2020 is postponed for one season, and will be assessed together with the financial year 2021;

• the 2020/2021 monitoring period is curtailed and only covers two reporting periods (financial years ending in 2018 and 2019);

• the 2021/2022 monitoring period is extended and covers four reporting periods (financial years ending in 2018-2019-2020 and 2021).

• the financial years 2020 and 2021 are assessed as one single period;

• the adverse impact of the pandemic is neutralised by averaging the combined deficit of 2020 and 2021 and by further allowing specific COVID-19 adjustments.