23 clubs competing in Uefa competitions this season have had their prize money temporarily withheld, as the organisation seeks to encourage sides to be financially stable.
While no Premier League sides have currently been affected, this strict approach could cause shockwaves through clubs including Manchester City and current European Champions Chelsea, who are both heavily financed by outside investors Sheikh Mansour and Roman Abramovich.
As part of Uefa’s requirements, clubs must provide information regarding the status of any overdue payments by the end of June, with 23 sides falling foul of repayment rules.
These clubs include European heavyweights such as Atletico Madrid, Sporting Lisbon and Fenerbahce, who will receive no prize money while investigations continue.
The only side competing in this season’s Champions League to so far be affected are Spanish side Malaga, who finished fourth in La Liga last season.
Any club under further investigation has until the end of September to provide an updated situation with regards to overdue payments towards other clubs, employees and tax authorities.
Meanwhile, Uefa’s strict stance will remain in place until repayments have been made or until a final decision by the Uefa Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) is taken.
By Hannah Duncan
