UEFA has handed Montenegrin club FK Arsenal Tivat a 10-year ban from European competitions following a match-fixing investigation.
The ban, which runs through the 2034–35 season, also includes a €500,000 (£433,000) fine. UEFA confirmed the sanctions relate to a UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Armenian side Alashkert in July 2023. Arsenal Tivat drew 1-1 away before suffering a heavy 6-1 defeat in the return leg at home.
European football’s governing body stated that Arsenal Tivat breached article 11 of its disciplinary regulations — relating to general conduct — and article 12, which addresses match integrity and fixing.
As part of the ruling, UEFA has also issued severe individual sanctions. Midfielder Nikola Celebic and club official Ranko Krgovic have been banned for life from all football-related activity. Players Cetko Manojlovic, Dusan Puletic, and Radule Zivkovic received 10-year bans. UEFA has requested FIFA extend the punishments globally.
Despite narrowly avoiding relegation via a play-off last season, the scandal casts a long shadow over Arsenal Tivat’s future in both domestic and international football.
