(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
UEFA Warns Marseille with Possible European Ban and €10 Million Fine
NYON, Switzerland (AP) — French club Marseille has been warned by UEFA that it could face a one-year ban from European competitions and has been fined €10 million ($11.5 million) following financial compliance issues, European football’s governing body announced.
The sanctions were issued by UEFA’s financial monitoring panel, which oversees the financial performance of clubs participating in competitions such as the Champions League. The system was previously known as Financial Fair Play.
According to UEFA, Marseille failed to meet agreed financial targets from an earlier monitoring cycle. The club, which is majority owned by Frank McCourt, also experienced financial challenges linked to a sharp and unexpected decline in domestic broadcasting revenue.
Under the decision, Marseille could be excluded from its next European competition unless it meets required financial benchmarks during the 2026–27 season.
The club endured a difficult campaign, finishing fifth in Ligue 1 and missing qualification for the Champions League. The season also saw major changes, including the dismissal of head coach Roberto De Zerbi and the departure of club president Pablo Longoria. Supporters also staged protests over the club’s direction.
Marseille, one of France’s most historic clubs and the 1993 European champion, now faces pressure to stabilize both on and off the pitch as it works to meet UEFA’s financial requirements.
