UEFA has officially banned Karvina from starting in the next season of European Cups due to suspicion of match-fixing. The decision comes after an investigation revealed systematic efforts to manipulate results in several matches. Karviná appealed against the verdict, but UEFA upheld the punishment and expelled the team from the Europa League and the Conference League.
The club from Ostrava will thus lose not only the prestigious international start, but above all the financial injection that the European cups represent. However, the impact of the decision is not limited to Karvina. The MOL Cup, whose winner is automatically guaranteed a start in the Europa League, will remain without a representative in European competitions.
This opens the door for other Czech teams. FC Viktoria Plzeň, who finished second in last year's league table, and FC Hradec Králové, the fourth team in the league, now get a chance to fill the vacant spot. Both clubs must meet UEFA's administrative criteria, including a European competition license, which is a formality for them.
Karviná defended herself by claiming that this was an isolated incident and argued that the exclusion was unreasonable. However, UEFA stood by its decision, stressing that tolerance for cheating threatens the integrity of football. "Our rules are clear.
Anyone who commits manipulation must bear the consequences," said a UEFA spokesman. In the past, Karviná was known as a stable participant in the first league, but in recent years it has been accompanied by financial problems and instability. In the 2022/23 season, the club only saved itself in the playoffs, while in the current season it is hovering around twelfth place.
The loss of the European start thus comes at a time when the club is struggling with existential questions. Its income from TV rights and sponsorship is limited, and it was the European Cups that represented the key source of finance to remain competitive. For Pilsen and Hradec Králové, it is a chance to show themselves in the European context, but also a pressure to prove that they deserve a place.
Pilsen, which has regularly represented the Czech Republic in European competitions in recent years, has extensive experience in international football. Hradec Králové last appeared in the Europa League in the 2020/21 season, when they advanced through the preliminary rounds. However, both clubs must prove that they deserve a European start not only administratively, but also sportingly.
With its decision, UEFA strengthened the reputation of Czech football in European structures. The last big scandal of manipulating the results in the Czech league came from 2009, when the then FK Bohemians Praha was convicted of bribery. Since then, the control system has tightened, but Karviná has shown that the risk still exists.
European football thus receives a clear signal that no club is above the rules, even in smaller competitions. The loss of Karviná also raises questions about the financing structure of Czech clubs. For many of them, the European Cups are a key source of income that helps maintain stability.
Without them, they may find themselves in trouble, especially if they do not make it in domestic competitions. For Pilsen and Hradec Králové, this means not only a chance, but also a responsibility - they will have to prove that they deserve a European start not only administratively, but also in terms of sports. Karviná now has 14 days to comment on UEFA's decision and possibly file another appeal.
However, the club has previously indicated that it wants to focus on defending in domestic competitions and minimizing damage. His position in the league is currently twelfth, which increases the pressure to improve his performances in the coming season. What does this mean for fans?
For Karviná fans, this is another disappointment in the series of recent years, when the club has been going through financial problems and instability. On the contrary, the fans of Pilsen and Hradec Králové gain hope for a more visible international activity of their teams. For all of Czech football, this is a moment that can strengthen confidence in the system, but also show that no club is immune to the harsh consequences of breaking the rules.
What's next? UEFA expects that the Czech football associations will quickly propose a representative for the vacant position. Pilsen and Hradec Králové have the best chance according to the current standings in the league, but the final decision will depend on the course of the MOL Cup.
Should any of these teams make it to the finals, they would automatically have priority over those who finished lower in the league. Otherwise, UEFA will take into account both league position and other criteria, including sporting performance and licence. UEFA also emphasized that this decision will not only affect Karvina, but the entire Czech football environment.
Associations and clubs will be forced to rethink their strategies, especially in the areas of financing and risk management. For smaller clubs, such as Karviná, this situation can be a warning that neglecting the rules can have immediate and fatal consequences. On the contrary, for larger clubs such as Pilsen, it is an opportunity to strengthen their position in European football and gain further experience for their players and employees. Read at Sport.cz
Why this matters
The exclusion of Karviná from European cups is not only a punishment for a specific club, but a signal for the whole of Czech football. It shows that manipulating results has far-reaching consequences – from loss of prestige to financial losses. At the same time, however, it opens the door for smaller clubs to gain a chance on the international stage. This situation can strengthen the pressure for transparency and fairness in the football environment, but also trigger discussions about the fair distribution of European starts between Czech teams. At the same time, it is a reminder that Czech football must take care of its integrity in order to maintain trust in European structures and attract investors and fans. UEFA has thus strengthened its role as guardian of the rules and shown that no club, whether large or small, is above the system. For Czech football, this means the need to build systems that will not only detect fraud, but also support a fair approach across all competitions.
Frequently asked
Why was Karviná excluded from European cups?
UEFA expelled her due to suspicion of systematic match-fixing. The club appealed, but the verdict was upheld.
Which teams will get Karviná's place in European competitions?
FC Viktoria Plzeň and FC Hradec Králové have the best chance. Both teams must meet UEFA licensing criteria.
What is the procedure for determining a representative in the Europa League?
The winner of the MOL Cup will automatically get a place, but since Karviná will not get it, it will be awarded by UEFA based on league position and other criteria.
Can Karviná appeal again?
Not officially anymore. UEFA upheld the punishment and the club appealed, but further legal action is no longer possible.
What are the financial implications for Karvina?
Losing a start in European cups means losing millions in bonuses and sponsorship income, which are crucial for smaller clubs.
What effect will this decision have on the position of Czech football in UEFA?
With its decision, UEFA strengthens confidence in the system of control and disciplinary measures. For Czech football, this may mean increased supervision, but also an opportunity to demonstrate that it can solve problems transparently.
