Match-Fixing Scandal: Cup Winners MFK Karviná Relegated from the Czech First Football League
Club receives multi-million crown fine – Mayor of Karviná banned from football for twelve years
Foto: Fotbalová asociace České republiky
Czech top-flight club MFK Karviná has been expelled from the country's highest division for manipulating three matches. In addition to a multi-million crown fine, the club now also faces the loss of its European qualification place.
The Ethics Committee of the Czech Football Association (FAČR) has excluded top-flight club MFK Karviná from the highest Czech football division due to the manipulation of three matches. The club has also been fined ten million crowns. The committee announced the decision on Monday. The ruling is not yet final.
According to the Ethics Committee, Karviná attempted to influence a top-flight match against České Budějovice as well as the relegation play-off matches against Vyškov in 2024. The committee justified the exclusion on the grounds that the offences were committed in connection with the battle to remain in the top division.
The Mayor of Karviná and club official Jan Wolf was also sanctioned. The Ethics Committee imposed a twelve-year ban from football activities and a fine of three million crowns.
At the end of March, 32 people were charged in connection with the case. The Ethics Committee initially opened 47 disciplinary proceedings, with further cases following in May.
After the Karviná ruling: European places and league composition could change
The case could also have consequences for European competitions. Karviná qualified for European football in May by winning the Czech MOL Cup. However, due to the sanctions, it is considered likely that UEFA will not allow the club to participate in its competitions.
According to Czech media reports, other Czech clubs could benefit if this happens. Under the current scenario, Viktoria Plzeň would move into the final qualifying round of the Europa League. Their place in the second qualifying round would then be taken by Hradec Králové, while Jablonec could secure a spot in the Conference League qualifiers.
The composition of the Chance Liga for next season could also change. Should the ruling become final, the club’s results from the 2025/26 season would be annulled. In that case, Karviná would be relegated, while Dukla Prague could remain in the top division.
Fotbalová asociace České republiky
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