BREAKING: UEFA Ban Club From European Competition Next Season Over Match-Fixing Scandal
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According to a report by GiveMeSport on Wednesday June 3, 2026, the 2025/26 European campaign has concluded, with clubs already turning their attention toward next season’s competitions. While teams such as Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are preparing for continental action after successful campaigns, one club has instead been hit with a major setback.
Azerbaijani side PFK Turan Tovuz have been barred from participating in the 2026/27 Europa Conference League despite earning qualification by finishing third in their domestic league. The decision means the club’s long-awaited return to European football has been put on hold.
Turan Tovuz had been set to compete in Europe for the first time since the 1994/95 season. However, UEFA ruled that the club was ineligible under regulations concerning involvement in activities aimed at influencing the outcome of matches.
According to the club, the sanction is linked to a disciplinary case dating back seven years. In 2019, the Azerbaijan Football Federations Association (AFFA) banned seven players connected to the club from all football-related activities following an investigation.
UEFA’s decision relies on rules that allow clubs to be excluded from competitions if they are found to have been directly or indirectly involved in match-fixing or attempts to manipulate results at either national or international level.
Despite the punishment, Turan Tovuz have responded strongly and insist they will challenge the ruling. The club confirmed plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an effort to overturn the decision and secure their place in the competition.
In a statement, the club stressed that they earned qualification through sporting merit and remain committed to defending their position. Officials believe the punishment is unfair and are determined to pursue every available legal avenue.
Turan Tovuz also revealed that preparations for next season will continue as normal despite the uncertainty. The squad is expected to gather later this month before travelling to Turkey for a pre-season training camp while awaiting the outcome of their appeal.
