PSG receive punishment from UEFA following Champions League final vs Inter Milan
Paris Saint-Germain achieved the most important milestone in their history this year. After more than a decade of attempts, under coach Luis Enrique, they won the UEFA Champions League for the first time—the most prestigious club tournament in Europe. However, they have now been hit with a sanction for incidents that occurred during the final against Inter Milan.
UEFA announced on Thursday that PSG must pay €148,000 (over $170,000) in fines related to four different infractions during the decisive match held at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31, where they defeated the Italian side 5–0.
The disciplinary panel fined PSG €100,000 due to pitch invasions by French fans during the post-match title celebrations, along with the use of flares inside the stadium.
Another offense deemed serious by Europe’s soccer governing body involved the display of a flag in the stands with the message “UEFA Mafia.” This was condemned for “transmitting message that is not fit for a sports event” and “bringing UEFA into disrepute,” resulting in a €10,000 fine.
Additional infractions included the throwing of objects onto the field from the stands (€30,000) and “acts of damage” (€8,000). The total amount exceeds $170,000—but that figure seems minor compared to the estimated $160 million PSG earned by winning the tournament, according to ESPN.
PSG must avoid future incidents
In addition to the financial penalty, UEFA imposed a further restriction for Paris Saint-Germain’s next European away match: a ban on selling tickets to their own supporters. This was set to take effect for the UEFA Super Cup match against Europa League champions Tottenham, scheduled for Wednesday, August 13 in Udine.
However, UEFA has suspended the enforcement of that sanction for the next two years. That means PSG will avoid the restriction for now—provided no similar incidents occur over the next 24 months.
Trophies PSG can still win after conquering Europe
Winning their first-ever UEFA Champions League title opens up a wide range of opportunities for PSG this season. Their first shot at another major honor will come in the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham Hotspur—another trophy they’ve never won.
And that’s not all. From December 13 to 17, PSG will also compete for the first time in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, a tournament that brings together the champions of the six continental soccer confederations.
PSG will represent Europe and go straight into the final. Their confirmed opponents so far include Cruz Azul from Mexico, Al Ahli from Saudi Arabia, Pyramids from Egypt, and Auckland City from New Zealand. The only remaining spot belongs to the Copa Libertadores champion, who will represent South America.