FK Arsenal Tivat have been handed a crushing 10-year ban from European competitions after UEFA found the Montenegrin side guilty of match-fixing.
The ruling follows an investigation into their 2023 UEFA Conference League qualifying clash against Armenia’s Alashkert. Tivat managed a 1-1 draw away but collapsed 6-1 at home in the second leg, raising suspicions.
UEFA found that the club breached Articles 11 and 12 of its disciplinary regulations. These relate to conduct and the integrity of matches, including match manipulation. The ban runs through to the 2034-35 season and comes with a €500,000 fine.
The punishment extends beyond the club. Player Nikola Celebic and official Ranko Krgovic have both been banned for life from all football-related activities. Three more players Cetko Manojlovic, Dusan Puletic, and Radule Zivkovic, received 10-year suspensions.
UEFA has requested FIFA to extend all bans globally. That would effectively bar the named individuals from playing or working in football anywhere in the world.
The scandal has left a dark cloud over a club that had only just survived relegation via a playoff last season. Their rapid fall from European hopefuls to disgraced outcasts is a harsh blow for Montenegrin football.
UEFA’s stance sends a clear message. The integrity of the game is non-negotiable.
