Why has UEFA fined Champions League winners PSG ?

On the first day of June, the world bowed to salute the greatness of Paris Saint-Germain after they clinched their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, defeating a strong Inter Milan 5-0 at the Allianz Arena. The same PSG, which went on to win domestic titles and was so close to lifting the FIFA Club World Cup trophy too, have now been fined by UEFA for financial breach and fan misconduct.

A 10 million Euro fine has been imposed on PSG for breaching Financial Fair Play rules, which could even rise to 65 million euros, and a 148,000 Euro fine plus ticket ban was imposed after fan misconduct during the final.

What is the case about FFP Breach?

Back in September 2022, UEFA fined PSG for failing to adhere to the break-even rule during the 2018-2022 period. Under the new Financial Sustainability Regulations, PSG must decrease its wage-to-revenue ratio to meet sustainability targets by 2026. In case of failure, the fine may be increased to 65 million euros.

The club, which spent lavishly to sign big names like Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, is now facing complications in meeting sustainability thresholds. UEFA has time and again raised objections over PSG's extravagant deals. They questioned PSG's lucrative deal with Qatar Tourism Authority. Many believed that the sponsorship deals were overvalued to clear regulatory hurdles. UEFA has been strictly monitoring PSG's expenses and revenues for the last few years.

What was the fan misconduct incident in the UCL Finals?

According to several reports, after PSG won the UEFA Champions League, defeating Inter in the finals at the Allianz Arena, thousands of PSG supporters stormed onto the pitch immediately after the final whistle. From tearing up turf, setting off fireworks, throwing objects, causing damage, to displaying insulting banners, such indecent activities raised serious concerns about player safety. The banner controversy erupted after a flag read, “UEFA Mafia” with a pig image, aimed at UEFA's leadership. The aftermath of the celebrations in Paris was tragic after two people lost their lives and over a hundred were left badly injured.