The UEFA has imposed a comprehensive 10-year ban on Montenegrin football club FK Arsenal Tivat along with several of its players and officials due to involvement in match-fixing activities. This action stems from a 2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying match against Alashkert from Armenia in June 2023, where the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, followed by a significant 6-1 defeat for Arsenal Tivat in the return leg.
UEFA's findings indicate violations of article 11 concerning 'general principles of conduct' and article 12 related to the integrity of matches and competitions. While UEFA did not provide extensive details on the investigation, it confirmed that the ban prevents Arsenal Tivat from participating in any UEFA competitions for the next decade, extending until the conclusion of the 2033-34 season. Additionally, the club faces a fine of €500,000 ($579,460). UEFA also sought assistance from FIFA to ensure the global enforcement of this ban.
Further consequences were imposed on individual players and officials associated with the club during the violations. Nikola Celebic, a veteran who has played over 300 matches, received a lifetime ban. Ranko Krgovic, a club official, was given the same sanction. Current captain Cetko Manojlovic, defender Radule Zivkovic, goalkeeper Dusan Puletic, and official Milan Vignjevic each received 10-year bans. Goran Janjusevic, another official, was handed a six-month ban, along with Greek player Christos Psomiadis. UEFA has requested that FIFA enforce all these sanctions worldwide.
