UEFA Excludes Osasuna from Conference League - Club Takes Legal Action

UEFA Excludes Osasuna from Conference League - Club Takes Legal Action

The Spanish club CA Osasuna has announced that it will not be allowed to participate in the Conference League. The club intends to challenge this decision before the highest sports court.

"In light of the UEFA's decision, which we consider a serious violation of our rights, the club will appeal to the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport)," Osasuna stated on its official website. The club "regrets the wrong message that UEFA is sending to the football world by punishing those who denounce and pursue corruption through legal means."

The dispute stems from match-fixing in 2014. Three years ago, a court sentenced players, officials, and entrepreneurs to lengthy prison terms for their involvement. The case revolved around two players from Betis Sevilla who were paid to make extra efforts in the penultimate match of the 2013/2014 season against Osasuna's competitor, Real Valladolid.

UEFA's reasoning yet to be revealed

According to the club's statement, UEFA is expected to explain in the coming days why the appeal was rejected. Osasuna complained that the arguments presented on Friday, June 30, 2023, were not taken into consideration. The club points out that the Spanish judiciary referred to them as "victims" of the actions of certain officials during the trial in 2020.

The club had accused the Spanish Football Association of remaining neutral in the dispute. The association responded with outrage, emphasizing its support for Osasuna. As the seventh-placed team in the previous season, Osasuna had qualified for the next edition of the smallest European club competition for the first time.