Ex-PGMOL chief shocked by Arsenal as heavy punishment due for UEFA rule break

26/04/2025 04:00

Arsenal will “no doubt” be given a “substantial” sanction if they are found to have broken UEFA’s regulations, according to a surprised Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he was taken aback by the Gunners’ decision-making ahead of their semi-final clash with PSG.

Arsenal’s stunning 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid, in large part thanks to two free-kick goals from Declan Rice in the first leg, propelled the club to their first Champions League semi-final since 2009.

Whilst their league form has been indifferent, drawing 13 Premier League games this season, the Gunners have been a different beast in Europe.

However, ahead of Arsenal’s last-four clash with PSG, the club have made a surprise decision which puts them at risk of facing a sanction from UEFA.

Arsenal reduce ticket allocation for travelling PSG fans

Reports from French publication, France Bleu, say that just days before the first-leg matchup at the Emirates, many PSG fans are struggling to get their hands on tickets as the ticket office has still not opened.

UEFA regulations typically require clubs to allocate 5% of their stadium’s capacity to away fans, which would be about 3,000 tickets in Arsenal‘s case.

However, the North London club are reportedly trying to reduce this number to 2,500, closer to 4% of their capacity.

According to L’Equipe, PSG does not consider this decision to be fair play and has contacted UEFA to try to obtain the quota of 3,000 tickets they believe themselves to be entitled to.

This is not the first time Arsenal have upset a rival club by reducing ticketing allocation, having done the same to Man United for their FA Cup clash in January [MailOnline].

Keith Hackett warns Arsenal may face ‘substantial’ fine

Following the reports emerging from France, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett gave his expert verdict exclusively to Football Insider, warning that UEFA will issue a “substantial” fine if Arsenal are found to have broken their regulations, saying: “The allocation of tickets in European competitions is part of the regulations laid out by UEFA.

“I’m surprised that Arsenal have decided to reduce the allocation of tickets for such a big game.

“I have no doubt that UEFA will in fact, if Arsenal break their regulations, issue a substantial fine.”

The post Ex-PGMOL chief shocked by Arsenal as heavy punishment due for UEFA rule break appeared first on Football Insider.