Synot lose 12 points
Saturday, July 3, 2004
Article summary
1. FC Synot will start next season with minus-12 points after a disciplinary panel found them guilty of corruption.
Article body
Officials punished
The panel, organised by the Football Association of the Czech Republic (CMFS) panel ruled that three leading officials at the club had tried to affect the results of five league matches last season. The club's co-owner Miroslav Valenta and former sport managers Jaroslav Hastík and Igor Stefanko have been handed two-year bans from Czech football and fined €16,000 for their conduct.
Attempts to influence
"There were attempts to influence results, but without a real effect," said disciplinary commission head Alexander Karolyi. Officials involved in these five games were found not to have influenced the outcome of the matches, although six referees have been found guilty of bribery and banned for periods ranging from one to two years.
Valenta comments
Synot, who finished fifth in the Czech First Division last season, can appeal against the verdict, but such a course of action is considered unlikely. "The most important thing is that Synot remain in the top flight," said Valenta. "It's good news for any parties that wish to buy the club." Valenta also confirmed his decision to sell the club, who will play under the new name of 1. FC Slovácko next season.
