PFK Turan Tovuz, an Azerbaijani football club, was declared ineligible for the next UEFA Conference League season after being linked to match-fixing activities, UEFA announced on June 3, 2026 [1, 2].
The UEFA Appeals Body concluded Turan Tovuz failed to meet admission criteria because the club was directly or indirectly involved in attempting to influence match outcomes, disqualifying them despite their league performance [1, 2].
Turan Tovuz had finished third in the 2025-26 Azerbaijan Premier League, a placement that normally qualifies a team for the Conference League qualifying rounds [1, 2]. The club disputed UEFA’s ruling, stating, "In the 2025-26 season, we finished the season in third place, following all sporting principles, and earned the right to play in the Conference League, which we are entitled to" [1].
The ban traces back to a 2019 disciplinary case where seven Turan Tovuz players were banned by the Azerbaijan Football Federations Association (AFFA) for match-fixing related activities [1, 2]. This historical case was a key factor in UEFA’s decision.
Despite the ban, Turan Tovuz announced plans to continue preparations for the Conference League. The club said, "There are no changes in our preparation plans for the Conference League. This month, the team members will gather and go to Turkey for a training camp" [1]. The training camp is scheduled for June 2026.
The club also intends to appeal UEFA’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to overturn the ban [1, 2].
The UEFA ruling marks a significant setback for Turan Tovuz after their strong league finish, with the club’s next concrete action being the planned training camp in Turkey this month.