Olsson proposes Europe ban for in-debt clubs

UEFA’s new chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson has warned that clubs with large debts face being banned from the Champions League and UEFA Cup.

Olsson claims there is a serious problem with clubs racking up huge debts and calls the practice “financial doping”.

He says that clubs such as Leeds, who have debts of around £90m (€132m), could find themselves excluded by UEFA’s licensing system even if they qualify for Europe.

Olsson told the Financial Times: “Too many clubs plan as if they are playing in Europe even though not that many actually qualify. We are determined to be firm about this system.

“In future, clubs will not be allowed to have significant debts to players or any related party.

“What has happened in many cases until now is that too many clubs have been indulging in, if you like, financial doping, recruiting players but not paying their debts, and sometimes not paying salaries. Now, they will have to prove they have sound finances to play in our competitions.

“We can ask an external auditor to intervene if we are suspicious that a club is not fulfilling the requirements. After that, we have the authority to expel clubs from our competitions.

“It’s very serious but we will not make any compromises because it is essential to protect the credibility of the professional game.”

Olsson believes that clubs with similar debts to Leeds would be at risk.

He added: “If the information I have read is correct, Leeds would be an example of a current club that would not be allowed to play in Europe. It may well be that some clubs won’t get a license for next season.”

National associations are given the role of ensuring that clubs meet UEFA’s criteria but European football’s governing body have the right to step in themselves.