Note of caution loudest for Jazz
Thursday, 29 January 2004
The Finnish Football League has renewed warnings to top flight or Veikkausliiga clubs that they face expulsion if certain criteria are not met.
Conditional licences
At a meeting of the Finnish Licensing Committee, four clubs were issued with conditional licences only, while FC Jazz were given until Monday to meet the standards required.
Jazz under threat
All league clubs need a licence to compete in the top flight. Jazz, who are heavily in debt and were only granted permission to play last season after much deliberation, have been given an ultimatum by the committee.
Ultimatum time
"We will give a clear message to any club under administration," said Veikkausliiga chairman Jussi Sarvikas. "They will not play in the Veikkausliiga. We have given the FC Jazz board until next Monday to withdraw their application [to go into administration]. If this is not done in time, the club will lose their league status."
Terms and conditions
A lesser threat has been made to FC Hämeenlinna and FF Jaro, who will need to measure up before 2007. Promoted duo TP-47 Tornio and RoPS Rovaniemi have until 2006 to satisfy the conditions, which stipulate that all stadiums must have at least 3,000 covered seats, suitable floodlighting and a heated pitch.
Possible relegation
A decision to relegate Jazz has already been taken, should the club fail to satisfy the criteria. FC KooTeePee, relegated from the top division through a play-off, will take their place.
(
http://www.uefa.com/footballcentral/...Id=141097.html)
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