PSG Faces Financial Penalty from UEFA
In a significant ruling stemming from fan behavior during the Champions League final, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faces a financial penalty of nearly €150,000 (approximately $171,000). This fine was imposed by UEFA following incidents that included fans taking pieces of the playing surface and displaying a controversial banner reading “UEFA Mafia”. The UEFA disciplinary panel specifically identified six infringements, including the display of messages deemed inappropriate for a sporting event and actions that brought disrepute to UEFA’s reputation.
Champions League Title and Fan Misconduct
PSG claimed their first-ever Champions League title with an impressive 5-0 victory over Inter Milan on May 31, held at Bayern Munich’s stadium. However, the celebration was overshadowed by fan misconduct that led UEFA to issue fines. Among the charges, one notable fine of €10,000 (about $11,500) was levied for the inappropriate banner featuring the now-infamous slogan along with a pig’s depiction—despite the fact that PSG’s president, Nasser al-Khelaifi, serves on UEFA’s executive committee.
Monitoring of Fan Behavior
Al-Khelaifi, who also heads the European Club Association, was elected to UEFA’s governing body. The use of the “mafia” term in fan chants is routinely monitored by UEFA, which has a history of prosecuting such instances. However, a precedent was set when Norwegian club Brann successfully challenged a similar ruling earlier this year. Brann had argued their fans’ song was meant as satire during a Women’s Champions League match, resulting in the annulment of their fine by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Details of the Financial Penalties
PSG’s most significant financial penalty—amounting to €100,000 (approximately $115,000)—was due to fans invading the pitch and setting off fireworks. In the aftermath of the triumphant match, some supporters damaged the field by uprooting sections of turf, leading to an additional fine of €8,000 (about $9,160) for “acts of damage.” Furthermore, UEFA has temporarily suspended a ticket sales ban for PSG’s away games at UEFA competitions for two years on a probationary basis.
Financial Stakes in UEFA Relations
During the last Champions League season, PSG reportedly earned about €140 million ($160 million) from UEFA’s prize money, underscoring the financial stakes in maintaining favorable relations with the governing body of European football.
