UEFA has failed the “Mafiaper”
The scandal broke out in another women’s champion league match when Brann fans loudly chanted a « UEFA mafia » rigmus, They also expressed their views on the European Federation on banners. UEFA, of course for the manifestation they called « offensive and provocative. »
However, the Norwegian band did not leave it so much. After UEFA rejected their appeal and then sentenced two more penalties on them, Brann received an international lawyer team and took the case all the way to CAS. The court eventually stood on the side of the fans and stated in his judgment that the « UEFA mafia » slogan is not a hatred, but can be interpreted as a satirical and power -critical opinion.
We are very satisfied with the CAS decision
-said Brann president, Aslak Sverdrup, after the verdict, which, in addition, obliged UEFA to retrospectively reimburse the club’s full legal costs.
“It is not commonplace for a Norwegian club to affect all European football, but today we have seen an example. In a world where freedom of speech is increasingly impossible is a particularly important and correct decision« He said.
UEFA acknowledged CAS’s decision, but disagreed with Brann’s interpretation that it would mean a victory for freedom of expression. The federation also stated that its disciplinary bodies would continue to use zero tolerance against inadequate behavior.
Is the mafia free from now on?
The decision You can open a new chapter in judging fans’ expression. UEFA and other sports federations cannot automatically punish any criticism simply because it is unpleasant for them In principle, fans can now express their opinions more freely. The question may arise if anyone can mobilize UEFA or even the Hungarian Football Association?
Zoltán Borbély, a sports lawyer, was surprised by CAS. He thinks a precedent decision was made.
This is a breakthrough breakthrough. The decision was extremely surprised because so far fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech, have not fully prevailed in sports law
– the former MLSZ former legal director told Blikk.
“From now on, any opinion that is not on the sports field will be protected by referring to this matter, because if an organization could worry such an adjective, other signals may be allowed« He added.
