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ESPNsoccernet: UEFA Champions League |
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Monday, June 30, 2008
Steaua admitted to UCL despite bribe charges
LONDON, June 30 (Reuters) - Romanian club Steaua Bucharest have been admitted to next season's Champions League competition despite allegations of bribery against them, UEFA said.
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UEFA said its Control and Disciplinary Body had ruled that
the club should be admitted because no final decision had yet
been made in disciplinary proceedings in Romania involving the
club.
The club's position could be re-examined once the Romanian
Soccer Federation (FRF) had concluded the disciplinary
proceedings, the European governing body said on its website.
Earlier this month, Steaua were docked seven points by the
FRF after officials and players were found guilty of corruption
charges. UEFA said then it would review the club's entry into
the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
Despite losing the points, Steaua remained second in the
final standings, making them eligible for the Champions League.
The FRF launched an investigation into Steaua and
Universitatea Cluj, who were docked six points, after Romania's
anti-corruption prosecutors opened a criminal inquiry into
Steaua owner Gigi Becali and Universitatea president Anton
Dobos.
Prosecutors accused Becali of offering 1.7 million euros
($2.65 million) to Dobos and several players to try to stop
title contenders CFR Cluj in the last round of the season in
May.
All denied any wrongdoing.
CFR Cluj beat relegated Universitatea Cluj 1-0 to win the
title, one point clear of Steaua.