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More misery for Ferencvaros

11 October 2006 | 09:35 - AP

Ferencvaros has been banned from playing in international competitions and fined by Hungary's football federation for appealing its relegation in a civilian court.

 

The Hungarian Football Association's disciplinary board banned the second division club from participating in 'all international matches and programs' - likely to include friendly tournaments - until June 30, 2007.

The club was also fined 25 million forints (AUS$157,002).

Ferencvaros, the winner of 28 Hungarian league titles, finished sixth in the first division last season and failed to qualify for the UEFA Cup. It last won the championship in 2004.

The fine must be paid within three days after Ferencvaros has exhausted all appeals, the federation said, or the team will lose three points in every game it plays.

In July, Ferencvaros was denied a licence to compete in Hungary's top division because of tax debts and unpaid salaries.

Involving a civilian court to contest that ruling was in contradiction of UEFA and FIFA regulations, as well as its own rules, the federation said.

"We were deeply stunned and outraged by the disciplinary board's illegal decision," Ferencvaros president Zsolt Damosy said in a statement.

Damosy said the federation's domestic regulations were unclear on the issue of a court's involvement.

If the ruling is upheld on appeal, the club will take its case to the national Permanent Court of Sport, Damosy said.

An initial ruling in September by the Budapest City Court found that the federation did not have the right to decide on licensing matters. However, it also ruled that Ferencvaros still did not possess a first division licence.

The federation has appealed the ruling.

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