Switzerland avoid international ban

Switzerland have escaped a ban from international competition after FIFA accepted the Swiss FA’s decision to dock 36 points from FC Sion.

Sion had used ineligible players in a Europa League qualifying tie against Celtic, leading to their dismissal from the competition and a lengthy legal battle.

FIFA had threatened to ban all Swiss teams from international competitions should the Swiss FA support Sion, but the club has since been handed the points deduction.

“The FIFA emergency committee decided yesterday (January 5) to consider the requirements established by the FIFA Executive Committee on December 16 as fulfilled by the Swiss Football Association by its decision from December 30 and that the ASF will consequently not be suspended in relation to the FIFA Executive Committee’s decision of December 16,” a FIFA statement read.

The points deduction has left Sion at the foot of the table with minus-five points, 16 adrift of Lausanne.

The ruling means that Basel is clear to remain in the Champions League.