Fener’s Euro path unclear

ISTANBUL

Galatasaray and Trabzonspor are cleared to play in European competitions next year, while the situation regarding Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş and Bursaspor remained unclear.

The Turkish Football Federation on June 16 announced that UEFA, European football’s governing body, gave green light to league winner Galatasaray’s playing in the Champions League next season and third-place Trabzonspor’s participation to the Europa League.

However, there were no remarks on league runner-up Fenerbahçe in the letter. The Istanbul club, who is in the center of a match-fixing case, has been barred from playing in the Champions League last season following a Turkish Football Federation upon an incentive by the UEFA.

Last month, the Federation punished a total of 10 officials and players, including three officials from Fenerbahçe, for their involvement in attempts to manipulate games from the 2010-2011 championship.

However, the Federation did not sanction any clubs saying “the match-fixing was not reflected on the pitch.”

UEFA has announced it is up to Turkish Federation to impose sanctions in teams embroiled in the scandal, but has said it could intervene if needed.

The definitive decision from the UEFA is expected to be announced on June 25.

Beşiktaş and Bursaspor were previously handed bans for financial misdemeanors. Both clubs have appealed the ruling.