BREAKING: UEFA have banned Juventus from this season's Conference League

Juventus have been banned from participating in this season's Conference League by UEFA after being found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play rules.

In May, an investigation into the club’s transfer dealings found evidence of false accounting and resulted in Juve being docked ten points, while former president Andrea Agnelli and other officials who had resigned from their positions were banned.

UEFA opened their own investigation in December and have now punished the Bianconeri further, announcing they will not be able to compete in European competition for one year - in addition to a €20 million (£17.1 million) fine of which €10 million is conditional and depends on Juve's financial results in the next three years.

The governing body said The Old Lady "violated UEFA’s regulatory framework and breached the settlement agreement signed in August 2022."

They are likely to replaced by Fiorentina, who finished eighth in Serie A and reached the final last season.

The suspension means Aston Villa will now be seeded for the two-legged play-off round next month.

Juventus will not appeal their punishment and Gianluca Ferrero welcomed the opportunity to face the new season by focusing on the field and not on the court”.

"We regret the decision of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body,” Ferrero said.

“We do not share the interpretation that has been given of our defense, and we remain firmly convinced of the legitimacy of our actions and the validity of our arguments.

“However, we have decided not to appeal this judgment. This decision is in line with the one taken last May in the context of the disputes with the FIGC.

“As in that case, we prefer to put an end to the period of uncertainty and ensure full visibility and certainty to our internal and external stakeholders about the club’s participation in future international competitions.

“Lodging an appeal, possibly to other levels of judgement, with uncertain outcomes and timing, would increase the uncertainty with respect to our eventual participation in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League. Instead, we want the first team, our fans, our sponsors, suppliers and financial partners to be able to experience the 2023-24 season with the utmost serenity and certainty with respect to the results achievable on the pitch, especially after the turbulent past season.”

Topics: Juventus, Europa Conference League, UEFA, Serie A

Josh Lawless

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