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Date: 01/05/2003 No. 058 - 2003

UEFA impose 150,000 CHF fine on English FA Largest ever fine for racism-related offence

UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body today found the English FA guilty of the disciplinary charges relating to pitch incursions and racist chanting at the UEFA EURO 2004 ™ qualifier between England and Turkey played on 2nd April in Sunderland.

Considering all of the available evidence and the track record of the English FA on these issues, the Control and Disciplinary Body imposed a fine of 150,000 CHF – the highest ever for a racism- related charge.

The Control and Disciplinary Body expressed their grave concern at the potential risk that occurred to match participants (players and officials) and totally condemned the offensive and racist verbal abuse of opposing fans.

The committee took account of the track record of the English FA in handling domestic safety and security arrangements and their consistent support for the campaign against racism but also the continued problem associated with English fans, particularly those travelling abroad. The committee also noted that the actions of certain English players celebrating England’s second goal was unfortunate and could be seen as a provocative action and that the issue of respect from all stakeholders should be addressed for the future.

The charges against the English FA and the Turkish FA relating to incidents in the tunnel at the match were found not proven due to a lack of evidence.

Commenting on the decision, Mike Lee, UEFA’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, said: “The Control and Disciplinary Body have weighed up the available evidence in reaching their conclusions. The verdict has upheld two of the most important charges and sent a clear warning for the future. The English FA’s track record on safety and security, particularly at home games, and their actions against racism have been taken into account and we trust that the additional steps that are being proposed will be successful”.

Sir Alex Ferguson fined 10,000 CHF

In another case dealt with today, the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body decided to impose a 10’000 CHF fine on the Manchester United FC manager Sir Alex Ferguson for improper statements to the media made in the run-up to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. The Body took into account the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson had already been fined previously for a similar offence when reaching its decision.

These decisions can be appealed against by Monday 5 May midnight.

Other decisions taken today by the Control and Disciplinary Body will be communicated tomorrow.

For further information: Mike Lee, Director of Communications and Public Affairs: ++41-79-250 53 71 UEFA Media Services: ++41-22-99 44 55 9