UEFA fines Malmo $110K for poor pitch in Champions League

By foxsports
Published

NYON, Switzerland -- UEFA has fined Malmo 100,000 euros ($110,000) for a sub-standard playing surface in the Champions League.

UEFA says its disciplinary panel cited ''the poor condition of the pitch at the club's three home group stage matches.''

Juventus players raised concerns about the Swedbank Stadium turf before their 2-0 win on Nov. 26.

The match was played three weeks after the spring-to-autumn Swedish season ended.

UEFA says half of Malmo's fine is deferred for a two-year probationary period.

Malmo earned almost 10 million euros ($11 million) in UEFA prize money for placing last in a group which included Atletico Madrid and Olympiakos. The club will get more from broadcasting rights fees.

As Sweden's league winner in 2014, Malmo returns to the Champions League qualifying rounds in July.