FK Arsenal Tivat Banned 10 Years by UEFA for Match-Fixing

Montenegrin club FK Arsenal Tivat has been banned from European competitions for 10 years following a UEFA investigation into match-fixing allegations.

The punishment, which runs until the 2034-35 season, also includes a €500,000 (£433,000) fine, UEFA confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

Details of the Case

UEFA’s disciplinary action relates to a 2023 Conference League qualifying tie against Armenian side Alashkert. Arsenal Tivat drew 1-1 away before suffering a heavy 6-1 home defeat in the second leg.

The club was found to have breached:

Article 11: General principles of conduct
Article 12: Integrity of matches and competitions, including match-fixing

Players and Officials Also Banned

Nikola Celebic (Player): Lifetime ban
Ranko Krgovic (Official): Lifetime ban
Cetko Manojlovic (Player): 10-year ban
Dusan Puletic (Player): 10-year ban
Radule Zivkovic (Player): 10-year ban

UEFA has requested FIFA extend these bans worldwide.

Arsenal Tivat’s Future in Jeopardy

The club narrowly avoided relegation last season by winning a play-off, but the scandal has cast a shadow over their future in Montenegro’s top flight.

This is one of the most severe punishments handed out in UEFA history for match-fixing in European competitions.