By Andy Brown
Supreme Court of Switzerland suspend UEFA’s club ban
The Supreme Court of Switzerland has suspended an initial ban imposed by European soccer confederation UEFA on Ukrainian club FC Metalist, despite such a ban being upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). UEFA initially banned the club on 14 August for breaching Articles 2.04g, 2.05 and 2.10 of the Regulations of the UEFA Champions League 2013/14, which relate to ‘arranging or influencing the outcome of a match’. The club then appealed to the CAS and to the Swiss Supreme Court. The CAS rejected its appeal on 15 August, however the decision of the Supreme Court on 16 August cited certain issues with the CAS judgment.
FC Metalist continues to deny the charges and is planning further appeals, as it has been competing in the play-offs for entry to the lucrative 2013/14 Champions League club competition. UEFA has already declared that Greek club PAOK Athens will replace Metalist.
“Lawyers are currently deciding what we’re going to do next”, FC Metalist Vice-President Kostyantyn Pyvovarov told the club’s internet site. “Perhaps we will appeal further to have them take into account the decision of the Supreme Court of Switzerland to once again examine our question”.
ICC charge nine Bangladesh cricketers
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have charged nine players with breaches of the BCB’s Anti-Corruption Code during the 2013 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The charges relate to an alleged conspiracy within the Dhaka Gladiators franchise to engage in match-fixing and spot-fixing during 2013 BPL matches. Match-fixing involves an attempt to influence the outcome of a match, whereas spot-fixing involves creating a single event, such as a wide ball during a certain period of the match.
The cricketers were issued with charge letters on 13, however have yet to be named. They have 14 days in which to indicate whether they accept the charges or intend to appeal. Seven have been charged relating to fixing offences, while two have been charged with failing to report corrupt approaches. Those facing the fixing charges have been provisionally suspended. If found guilty, Article 6 of the BCB’s Code mandates the imposition of a five-year to lifetime ban for fixing offences; and between a one-year and five-year ban for failure to report a corrupt approach.
England’s Football Association issues betting charges
The English Football Association has charged the Managing Director of a club and a player with betting offences, after both admitted their guilt. Robert Heys, Managing Director of League Two club Accrington Stanley and Stoke City player Cameron Jerome were charged with breaches of FA rules in relation to betting on 5 August. Stoke City compete in the FA Premier League whilst Accrington Stanley compete three leagues below, in League Two.
Both will now face hearings at a date yet to be determined. ‘Jerome accepts the FA charges made against him in relation to breaches of its betting rules’ read a statement from City. “Cameron has admitted the charges and will in due course attend an independent regulatory commission, at which he will be supported by the club”.
Heys has withdrawn from all club duty until the hearing’s result is announced. “Accrington Stanley can confirm that Robert Heys has accepted the FA charges made against him in relation to breaches of its betting regulations, and has elected to appear before a regulatory commission”, read a statement. “We anticipate the hearing to take place within the next two weeks”.
Andy Brown is the editor of World Sports Law Report. Readers of Sports Litigation Alert can receive a 10% discount on a subscription to World Sports Law Report. Visit www.e-comlaw.com/wslr10 and input the code ‘WSLR10’ to receive your discount.
