Man Utd lose chance of European reprieve
2012-01-06 11:05:02
Fifa has confirmed the Swiss Football Association (SFV) will not be suspended, ending any lingering chance of Manchester United being reinstated into the Champions League.
The world governing body had given a deadline of 13 January for the SFV to take action against Sion for breaking a transfer embargo. That action came on 30 December 30, when they docked the club 36 points – three for each game in which one of the six illegally signed and therefore ineligible players featured.
"The Fifa emergency committee decided yesterday 5 January 2012 to consider the requirements established by the Fifa executive committee on 16 December 2011 as fulfilled by the Swiss Football Association (SFV)," read a statement released by world football's governing body. "The SFV will consequently not be suspended in relation to the Fifa executive committee's decision of 16 December.
"However, Fifa has requested the SFV to keep the international football governing body informed on any future developments with regards to this matter."
The ratification from Fifa means Basel will remain in the Champions League and ends any hope of a reprieve for United, who were knocked out by the Swiss side.