UEFA Hands Down Sanctions To Freiburg And Aston Villa

UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has sanctioned SC Freiburg and Aston Villa following separate supporter-related incidents during the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League campaign.

Freiburg were handed a €30,000 fine after supporters invaded the field of play following the club's 3-1 victory over SC Braga in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final on 7 May.

In addition to the financial penalty, UEFA ordered Freiburg to play their next home match in UEFA competition behind closed doors. However, that stadium closure has been suspended for a probationary period of two years, meaning the Bundesliga club will only be required to serve the sanction if a similar offence is committed during that timeframe.

The disciplinary action was taken under Article 16(2)(a) of UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations, which covers invasions of the field of play by supporters.

Meanwhile, Europa League winners Aston Villa were also punished following the final against Freiburg on 20 May, which Unai Emery's side won 3-0 to lift the trophy.

UEFA fined the Premier League club €10,000 after supporters displayed a banner deemed racist and/or discriminatory during the showpiece event.

Villa have also been banned from selling tickets to away supporters for their next UEFA competition match. Like Freiburg's sanction, the ticket ban has been suspended for a two-year probationary period and will only come into effect if the club commits a similar offence during that period.

The punishment was issued under Article 14(2) of UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations, which relates to racist and discriminatory behaviour by supporters.

The rulings serve as another reminder of UEFA's strict disciplinary approach towards crowd misconduct and discriminatory behaviour, with suspended sanctions designed to deter repeat offences while allowing clubs to avoid immediate sporting consequences if no further violations occur.