Champions League clubs fined over fan safety during pandemic

Updated Nov. 13, 2020 1:16 p.m. ET

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Three Champions League clubs were fined by UEFA on Friday for breaking rules drafted to help protect fans in stadiums during the coronavirus pandemic.

Rennes was fined 10,000 euros ($11,800), and Dynamo Kyiv and Ferencváros must each pay 5,000 euros ($5,900) for breaching safety protocols,

Rennes and Dynamo were also fined 22,000 euros ($26,000) and 14,000 euros ($16,600) for blocking stadium walkways for opening home games in a Champions League season where fans are not allowed to attend at most venues.

In the Europa League, CSKA Sofia and Rijeka was also fined 5,000 euros ($5,900) for similar charges.

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Croatian club Rijeka was also found guilty of unspecified “illicit chants” by fans at a game against Real Sociedad, and fined 10,000 euros ($11,800).

The soccer federations of Croatia, Latvia and Luxembourg were each fined 5,000 euros for breaking health protocols at Nations League games.

Top coaches faced disciplinary charges for their teams being out late to kick off the second half of a game. Late kickoffs can disrupt broadcasters’ schedules.

Shakhtar Donetsk coach Luis Castro was fined 5,000 euros and banned for one game by activating a deferred suspension for a previous offense. Shakhtar next plays at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Nov. 25.

Paris Saint-German coach Thomas Tuchel and Tottenham’s José Mourinho were each put on one year of probation. The clubs were fined 30,000 euros and 25,000 euros, respectively.

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