Uefa blow for cash-strapped sides

[Ross]

The Scottish FA have confirmed that clubs in administration will not play in Europe next season.
The ban would currently apply to SPL sides Dundee and Motherwell.

Uefa's tough new licensing system means clubs must demonstrate fiscal prudence - and teams will be banned if they owe money to players.

"Had these rules been in place last year, Dundee would not have been allowed to enter this season's Uefa Cup", said an SFA spokesman.

Other criteria that must be met to satisfy Uefa include pitch size and media facilities.

And one of the reasons Hearts are considering a move away from Tynecastle is their inadequate playing field.

"It's up to the national associations to evaluate whether or not the criteria have been fulfilled," a Uefa spokesman told the Daily Telegraph.

Both Dundee and Motherwell are still in the Scottish Cup and could reach the Uefa Cup via their final league position.

"As things stand, it's quite feasible that neither club would be nominated by us," said SFA press officer Andy Mitchell.

"A club whose pitch is not the proper size can always arrange to play home matches at another ground, but transferring debt is not so simple.

"Uefa have made it quite clear that that these are their competitions and therefore clubs must comply with their rules."

This is such bad news for the likes of Dundee, Aberdeen, Dunfermline, Hearts etc etc..

[Celticrugby]

Yes for sure, its shows the favoritism towads big clubs as well. A lot of these "minnow" clubs would benefit heavily off UEFA funds, and I think its terrible that they can't get that now.

[Weebully]

Yes for sure, its shows the favoritism towads big clubs as well. A lot of these "minnow" clubs would benefit heavily off UEFA funds, and I think its terrible that they can't get that now.

I'm not sure the likes of Dundee or Motherwell would progress far enough in Europe to actually make any real money, but football should beabout merit, not finance, though going into administration is a good way to defer your debts which is also unfair.
The main problem with this ruling is that certain clubs (inc Rangers) are massively and nothing is done against them. If it was just about clubs being in debt or not, Real Madrid wouldn't have won their past few CL titles.

[Ross]

Can any of you remember hearts bet that team, or was it drew? with bordeaux

[Weebully]

Bordeaux, they won the 1st leg in France, but lost the return leg at Tynecastle to go out.

[BroxiBear]

Yes Indeed, bad news for the Less Financial Stabilized sides of the SPL!, Indeed Hearts did beat Bordeuax last year, Good one for them;) I would like it if There where maybe 3 or 4 SPL teams that Progressed in the CL/UEFA Cup It would give The SPL A Better name!

[redefining_form]

Sad news, really is, the fairness has just evaporated.

[Shed Boy]

I think it is a fair move and is an incentive for clubs ot work within a budget. Before legeslation like this could be brought in teams were spending money they did not have and they were getting an advantage. Now with this ruling teams have to get into Europ on their own merits.

Well done to UEFA for this ruling. :clap :clap :clap

[TedNolan]

I think the UEFA made the right choice. Clubs simply can't police themselves, they need some sort of penalty for financial irresponsability, and that's a step in the good direction.

I am in the same line of taught as weebully, they should be more severe, no matter what size the club is.