27 Aug 2010Debt-stricken football clubs 'will be barred from Europe'

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

UEFA president Michel Platini has reiterated his intention to block football clubs burdened by excessive debts from competing in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

In an interview with the Guardian, the former French international claimed European football's governing body has the backing of a majority of club directors for its new Financial Fair Play scheme, which comes into effect from next season.

"All the clubs were in favour. The biggest clubs were in favour because their owners do not want to keep overspending. And the smaller clubs realised it was good for them, too," he told the newspaper.

General secretary Gianni Infantino explained that Manchester City could be barred from European competition if they spend beyond their self-generated revenue, as could Manchester United if they struggle to meet the interest repayments on their arrears.

Their comments came after PFA chief Gordon Taylor told ESPN Soccernet that the FA should restrict the amount of debt loaded on to teams through leveraged takeovers.

Written by Terry Mitchell

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