Montenegrin club FK Arsenal Tivat have seen their suspension from European competition reduced from 10 years to seven after a successful appeal to UEFA. The original sanction, handed down in July following allegations of match-fixing, would have barred the club from continental football until 2035. The revised ruling now limits the punishment to the end of the 2031-32 season.
The case stemmed from Arsenal Tivat’s involvement in the 2023-24 Europa Conference League qualifying round, where the club drew 1-1 away to Armenian side Alashkert before being dismantled 6-1 in the home leg. UEFA launched an investigation amid suspicions of irregularities in the tie, ultimately concluding that the Montenegrin side had breached both article 11 of its disciplinary code — covering “general principles of conduct” — and article 12, which pertains to “integrity of matches and competitions and match-fixing.”
The fallout in July was severe. Alongside the unprecedented 10-year team ban, UEFA issued a €500,000 fine and punished several individuals. Goalkeeper Dušan Puletić, defenders Cetko Manojlović and Radule Živković, and official Ranko Krgović were all banned. Krgović and midfielder Nikola Čelebić received lifetime suspensions from all football-related activity, while Manojlović, Živković, and Puletić were handed 10-year suspensions.
However, the Appeals Body has now amended several of those decisions. Most notably, Puletić has been cleared, with his suspension annulled entirely. The ruling described insufficient grounds to maintain his punishment, allowing the 33-year-old goalkeeper to resume his playing career immediately. Arsenal Tivat’s club-wide ban has been trimmed to seven years, and their fine reduced to €400,000 (£349,000).
The decisions leave Manojlović and Živković still sidelined until 2033, while Krgović and Čelebić remain permanently excluded from football activities.
For Arsenal Tivat, the outcome represents only partial relief. While the reduction means the club could theoretically return to UEFA competitions in 2032, the absence of European football for nearly a decade will still cast a long shadow over their finances, reputation, and ability to attract talent. European qualification has become increasingly lucrative for clubs in smaller leagues, and Tivat’s exclusion may severely restrict their growth prospects.
The scandal is a bitter blow to a club that only recently emerged into prominence. Founded in 1914, Arsenal Tivat spent much of its history outside the spotlight before securing promotion to the Montenegrin First League. Their qualification for the Europa Conference League in 2023 marked a milestone achievement, but the shadow of their defeat to Alashkert now defines their continental legacy.
Domestically, Arsenal Tivat survived a relegation play-off last season to maintain their First League status. But with the cloud of UEFA’s ruling hanging overhead, they face the challenge of rebuilding credibility at home while serving their punishment abroad.
UEFA’s disciplinary measures are part of a broader crackdown on match manipulation. The governing body has emphasised its zero-tolerance stance, arguing that integrity is central to the sport’s global appeal. In its July verdict, UEFA stated that Arsenal Tivat’s conduct “seriously damaged trust in the game” and warranted the harshest sanctions available.
The Appeals Body’s adjustments signal recognition of mitigating factors but stop short of reversing the overall judgement. While the punishment has been softened, UEFA made clear that it considers the case a major breach of trust.
The lifting of Puletić’s ban may be the one bright spot in the saga. A veteran of the Montenegrin game, he now has the opportunity to resume his career after months of uncertainty. His reinstatement suggests UEFA is willing to revisit individual responsibility when evidence is insufficient, even as collective sanctions remain.
For now, Arsenal Tivat must come to terms with their prolonged exile from European competition. With domestic football their only stage, the next seven years will be about survival, restoring credibility, and ensuring the club has a future beyond its punishment.
