MFK Karvina barred from Europa League after UEFA match‑fixing ruling

UEFA has declared Czech club MFK Karvina ineligible for the 2026‑27 Europa League after determining the team was involved in match‑fixing. The club had qualified for the play‑off round by winning the Czech Cup, but the governing body ruled that it breached regulations by attempting to influence the outcome of domestic league and relegation‑play‑off matches.

As a result, UEFA re‑allocated Karvina’s play‑off place to FC Viktoria Plzeň. The reshuffle also moved FC Hradec Králové into the Europa League second‑qualifying round and FK Jablonec into the Conference League second‑qualifying round, affecting upcoming ties for Norwegian side Tromsø and Croatian side NK Varazdin.

Karvina has been fined 10 million Czech crowns (about €415,000) and its mayor, Jan Wolf, received a 12‑year ban from football activities and a €120,000 fine. The Czech Football Association has opened disciplinary proceedings against dozens of officials and clubs linked to the scandal.