UEFA threatens to ban debt ridden clubs 

UEFA has promised to get tough on financial mismanagement amongst English clubs by banning debt-ridden clubs from its two premier events – the Champions League and the forthcoming Europa League.

UEFA's announcement comes just days after a speech by the English Football Association that condemned a culture of lending amongst Premiership Clubs that has put the league in debt to the tune of $3 billion.

European regulators are concerned that heavy spending backed by debt not only has the potential to destroy the balance of power in European football, but also threatens the future of English football as a whole.

UEFA believes that this situation can be rectified by banning heavily indebted clubs from European competition, thereby forcing them to choose between increasing their debts or participating in potentially lucrative regional competitions.

 "There would be forms of communication, even warnings, even reprimands before one would ever get to a situation of exclusion but it's absolutely possible,” said UEFA general secretary David Taylor.

"We are looking at strengthening the minimal financial criteria and other forms of self regulation that may impose greater standards on clubs that want to compete in European competitions and beyond that club football."