Top 10 Most Controversial Punishments to Clubs in Football History: Football has seen many controversies and intrigues, not just involving players on the field, but also clubs and their officials. When clubs cross the line, they can anticipate the same consequences from the sport’s authorities, just like a foul on the field.
Top 10 Most Controversial Punishments to Clubs in Football History
Here are the top 10 most controversial punishments to clubs in football history that have changed the course of their history.
1. Luton Town’s 30-Point Deduction
Luton Town faced a severe penalty of a 30-point deduction at the beginning of their 2008-2009 League Two season. They were found responsible for several financial irregularities and misdeeds and had to play non-league football for the following five years.
2. Leeds United’s Expulsion from the Second Division
Leeds City was expelled from the Second Division after only eight games in 1919-20 due to financial mismanagement and allegations of players’ illegal payments throughout the conflict, a clear violation of FA regulations. Leeds United, a new team, took over the city’s duties the next season.
Top 10 Controversial Punishments to Clubs in Football History
3. Marseille’s Demotion to Ligue 2
Marseille won the 1992-1993 Ligue 1 championship with financial support from Bernard Tapie. But the team was demoted to Ligue 2 and stripped of its title due to allegations of bribery and match-fixing.
4. West Ham’s £5.5 Million Fine
West Ham was fined a staggering £5.5 million for third-party ownership of players Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, who had played for the club that season.
Top 10 Controversial Punishments to Clubs in Football History
5. Nueva Chicago’s 18-Point Deduction and Stadium Ban
After a Tigre supporter died from a stone thrown by Nueva Chicago goons during an away game, the team was given an 18-point deduction for the next season, expelled from their home stadium for a year, and a further decrease in 2007-08.
6. Portuguesa’s Demotion to Serie C
Portuguesa received a four-point penalty in Brazil’s 2013 Serie A for unintentionally using banned player Heverton. The team was demoted to Serie B, and a further point deduction eliminated their chances of survival.
Top 10 Controversial Punishments to Clubs in Football History
7. English Clubs’ Exclusion from European Competition
After the Heysel incident in 1985, the FA banned English teams from European competition for five years, with Liverpool receiving an additional year due to their involvement in the disaster.
8. Juventus’ Calciopoli Relegation
Juventus was the only team to play in Serie B in 2006 after the “Calciopoli” scandal, which saw them embroiled in match-fixing. They were relegated and received a nine-point penalty, but quickly returned to the top division and won three straight Scudetti.
Top 10 Controversial Punishments to Clubs in Football History
9. Rangers’ Demotion to the Third Division
Rangers faced an embarrassing penalty in 2011-12 due to financial difficulties, which saw them demoted all the way down to the third division, where they still play in the current campaign.
10. Middlesbrough’s Point Deduction
Middlesbrough faced a three-point deduction in 1997 for unlawfully cancelling a match against Blackburn Rovers, leaving them little to no chance of success and contributing to their relegation that season.
These controversial punishments have changed the course of the history of football clubs, affecting their league standings, reputation, and fan support.
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