Turkish club Bursaspor have been cleared to participate in the 2012/13 UEFA Europa League following a decision taken by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on 22 June 2012. The club had been suspended from European competition for one year and fined €50,000 by the UEFA Appeals Body on 30 May 2012 for overdue payables for transfer activities dating back to 2007.

On 8 June 2012, Busaspor filed an appeal with CAS. Yesterday, the CAS ruling stipulated that Bursaspor be excluded from one UEFA club competition for which it qualifies in the next four years, but that this exclusion is suspended for a probationary period of three years. The club was also fined €250,000.

UEFA has duly received and taken note of the decision taken by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) with regards to this case and, as the ultimate chamber of sports justice, UEFA respects both the authority and the decisions taken by CAS. Nevertheless, it wishes also to express its disappointment and surprise at the decision.

While the grounds for this decision will be examined with great care by UEFA, once they are made available, UEFA reiterates that it will continue to enforce its rules on club licensing and financial fair play in a strict and fair manner, and with all necessary due diligence.

UEFA is of the firm opinion that it is imperative for clubs to pay their debts to other football clubs, and will remain vigilant to ensure that this happens in accordance with the rules laid down in the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play regulations. These basic principles of good conduct should be strongly supported, and not undermined, by any future rulings from CAS.

This ruling by CAS therefore in no way affects the implementation of UEFA’s financial fair play rules, which UEFA will continue to implement both equitably and universally.

UEFA underlines that the rules on club licensing and financial fair play have been supported by the entire European football community, and that compliance with the system is vital to safeguard the interests of clubs and players alike, as well as protecting the future sustainability of football in Europe.