Monaco win reprieve
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Article summary
AS Monaco FC have successfully appealed against relegation them from the French First Division.
Article body
Heavy debts
The French Professional League (LPF) reinstated Monaco, three weeks after its financial watchdog, the DNCG, demoted them because of a reported budget deficit of €53m.
Appeals committee
A joint statement from the LPF and the French Football Federation said: "The appeals committee of the DNCG has decided, after examining documents produced by Monaco directors and due deliberation, to keep Monaco in Ligue 1 with certain transfer restrictions."
Transfer movements
Although they will be given a top-flight licence for the 2003/04 campaign, Monaco will be restricted in their movements in the transfer market. They will be allowed to sell players but not buy.
'Healthy enough'
Monaco's appeal against the initial ruling, which was made on 28 May, was heard on Wednesday. "Our delegation answered questions and established that we are healthy enough to compete in Le Championnat," Monaco chairman Jean-Louis Campora said.
Runners-up
The seven-times French champions and League Cup holders will enter next season's UEFA Champions League at the group stage having finished second in Ligue 1 behind Olympique Lyonnais.
