UEFA threatens clubs in debt of Champs League ban
Thursday, August 27, 2009 @ 6:01 PM
MONACO — UEFA has warned European soccer clubs they must break even or face being barred from the Champions League.
UEFA president Michel Platini said Thursday he wants new financial rules by 2012 to stop clubs from spending more on buying players than they generate in soccer-related income.
An independent financial control panel would warn and fine clubs before expelling them from the competition.
UEFA's stand could threaten Manchester United and Liverpool — whose American owners borrowed heavily to buy the clubs — and Real Madrid, which used bank loans to fund a recent spending spree.
The governing body of European soccer also wants to stop benefactors, such as the Arab owners of Manchester City, from driving up the cost of transfers and wages.
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