UEFA excludes Karviná and reshuffles Czech European places

UEFA has declared MFK Karviná ineligible for the 2026/27 Europa League after finding that the Czech club failed to meet competition admission criteria relating to match integrity.The UEFA Appeals Body ruled on July 2 that Karviná had been directly or indirectly involved in activity intended to arrange or influence the outcome of domestic matches.The decision removes Karviná from the Europa League play-off round, where they had qualified as Czech domestic cup winners.UEFA’s Emergency Panel has subsequently adjusted the allocation of European places held by clubs from the Czech Football Association.FC Viktoria Plzeň will take Karviná’s place in the Europa League play-offs, moving directly into the final qualifying stage before the league phase.Plzeň had originally been due to enter the Europa League in the second qualifying round through the main path.Their previous place will now be filled by FC Hradec Králové, who had initially qualified for the second qualifying round of the Conference League.FK Jablonec will move into Hradec Králové’s former Conference League position, completing the three-club adjustment.The revised structure means Hradec Králové will face Norwegian club Tromsø IL in the second qualifying round of the Europa League.Jablonec will play Croatia’s NK Varaždin in the second qualifying round of the Conference League.Plzeň will learn their Europa League play-off opponents when UEFA conducts the draw on August 3.The ruling creates immediate sporting and financial consequences for Karviná, who will lose access to UEFA match revenue, broadcast distributions and potential performance payments.Their exclusion also transfers commercial value to the three replacement clubs, with Plzeň benefiting most from direct entry into the play-off round.Progression to the Europa League league phase would provide Plzeň with a larger guaranteed UEFA distribution and greater international exposure than the earlier qualifying route.Hradec Králové will gain access to the Europa League’s higher-value commercial platform, although they must now prepare for a different opponent and competition structure.Jablonec have received the final available Czech place in UEFA competition and must adapt their planning to a revised qualifying schedule.UEFA’s decision also reinforces the governing body’s ability to apply admission rules separately from domestic sporting qualification.The adjusted draws will remain in place unless the exclusion is overturned through any available legal or disciplinary process.