Serie A giants AC Milan have been banned from participating in European competition for one of the next two years. This means that Milan will be unable to compete in the Europa League or Champions League for either next season or the one after.
UEFA have implemented this ban following a failure by the Rossoneri to comply with financial fair play rules. On top of the ban, Milan have been fined €30 million. This will come as a major setback to the seven times European Cup champions.
AC Milan Receive Ban From European Competition
AC Milan have regressed in recent years but following a purchase by Chinese investors, Rossoneri Sport, and the Milanese side spent over £200 million last summer. However, many of the new signings failed to perform and Milan could only finish in sixth position in the Italian league. Milan still have the opportunity to appeal this decision.
Implications for AC Milan
Earlier today, UEFA released a statement. This statement stated that the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB), had taken the decision to impose sanctions on Milan. AC Milan had attempted to copy the models of PSG and Manchester City. Both sides spent heavily and achieved near instant success.
It is uncertain how badly this ban will affect the club. In the short term, it will have a major effect on player recruitment and retention. Top players, who Milan covet in order to bring back the glory days, will want to play in European competition, while the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma may feel he needs to play at the highest level possible in order to progress his career and as a result, may be looking to leave the Rossoneri.
Is UEFA Taking Financial Fair Play Seriously?
These sanctions against AC Milan could have Europe wide implications. Many have lambasted Finacial Fair Play regulations. The regulations were established in order to try and create a more level playing field.
This was around the time of Malaga, PSG, Manchester City got billionaire owners who spent ridiculous amounts of money. They blew rivals out of the water in transfer battles. Some critics of financial fair play have labelled it as a PR exercise as the top clubs spend carefree without punishment.
However, should Milan’s punishment be upheld, many of Europe’s giants will be looking over their shoulders and changing their transfer tactics.
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