AXED Uefa EXPEL Europa League team and replace them with immediate effect amid match fixing probe

UEFA have expelled Czech Cup winners Karvina from this coming season’s Europa League because of MATCH FIXING.

The Czech outfit made it to the competition’s play-off qualifiers after beating Jablonec 3-1 in the final of their domestic cup tournament two months ago. But the club has since landed in hot water both at home and abroad following some heavy allegations.

The Uefa Appeals Body ruled Karvina ineligible for the Europa League after failing to comply with admission criteria.

The football governing body cited the club’s direct or indirect involvement in activities aimed at arranging or influencing the outcome of matches at their national level.

Uefa have fined Karvina £354,000 and Karvina have opted not to appeal the decision. The team was also expelled from the Czech top flight by the national football association last month.

The Czech association put together a disciplinary investigation involving 47 individuals and teams, which included referees, officials, players, former players and clubs from the top-four leagues in March.

All of the above faced accusations of involvement in a match-fixing scandal.

Karvina foes Viktoria Plzen will now take the Europa League play-off spot. Thus, Hradec Kralove will take Viktoria’s original spot in the competition’s second qualifying round.

And Jablonec will enter the Conference League‘s second qualifying round, filling Hradec’s vacancy.

Bournemouth, Sunderland and Crystal Palace have also qualified for the Europa League, while Brighton will play in the Conference League.