Swiss Football League Denies Licenses to Bellinzona, Schaffhausen in Initial Review
Updated April 28, 2025, 9:10 PM
NYON, Switzerland (AP) – The Swiss Football League (SFL) licensing commission has granted permission to play in the upcoming season to 20 current SFL clubs and two Promotion League teams vying for promotion. However, AC Bellinzona and FC Schaffhausen have been denied licenses in the first instance.
Financial, Procedural Issues Halt Bellinzona, Schaffhausen
Out of 25 clubs assessed, including all 22 SFL members, only Bellinzona and Schaffhausen, both from the second-tier dieci Challenge League, were refused the license. The commission evaluates legal, infrastructural, sporting, administrative, financial, and security-related criteria.
Appeals Possible; Final Decisions Expected may 21
The licensing commission denied the licenses due to financial and procedural reasons. Both clubs have until April 30, 2025, to appeal the decision. The appeals body will decide on the appeals by May 21, 2025.
Biel-Bienne, Rapperswil-Jona Could Ascend
From the third-tier Promotion League, FC Biel-Bienne and FC Rapperswil-Jona, both currently near the top of the league, received licenses and are eligible for promotion to the dieci Challenge League. SC Kriens, though, did not receive a license in the first instance.
SC Kriens to Appeal License Denial
SC Kriens stated that they were informed by the SFL that they would not receive the Challenge League license in the first instance, unlike previous seasons. The club attributes the denial to formal reasons, specifically the lack of certain documents required by the SFL’s licensing procedure. SC Kriens plans to appeal and has already submitted the missing documents. The licensing commission will consider the missing documents during the appeal process. A decision on the appeal is expected by May 21.
Based on the article, here are two PAA (Potential Actionable Answer) related questions:
Swiss Football League Denies Licenses to Bellinzona, Schaffhausen in Initial Review
Updated April 28, 2025, 9:10 PM
NYON, Switzerland (AP) – The Swiss Football League (SFL) licensing commission has granted permission to play in the upcoming season to 20 current SFL clubs and two Promotion League teams vying for promotion.Though, AC Bellinzona and FC Schaffhausen have been denied licenses in the first instance.
Financial, Procedural Issues Halt Bellinzona, Schaffhausen
Out of 25 clubs assessed, including all 22 SFL members, only Bellinzona and Schaffhausen, both from the second-tier dieci Challenge League, were refused the license. The commission evaluates legal, infrastructural, sporting, administrative, financial, and security-related criteria.
Appeals Possible; Final Decisions Expected may 21
The licensing commission denied the licenses due to financial and procedural reasons.Both clubs have until April 30, 2025, to appeal the decision. The appeals body will decide on the appeals by May 21, 2025.
Biel-Bienne, Rapperswil-Jona Could Ascend
From the third-tier Promotion League, FC Biel-Bienne and FC Rapperswil-Jona, both currently near the top of the league, received licenses and are eligible for promotion to the dieci Challenge League. SC Kriens, though, did not receive a license in the first instance.
SC Kriens to Appeal License Denial
SC Kriens stated that they were informed by the SFL that they would not receive the Challenge League license in the first instance, unlike previous seasons. The club attributes the denial to formal reasons, specifically the lack of certain documents required by the SFL’s licensing procedure.SC Kriens plans to appeal and has already submitted the missing documents. The licensing commission will consider the missing documents during the appeal process. A decision on the appeal is expected by May 21.
Q&A: Swiss Football League Licensing decisions
Q: What does it mean to be denied a license by the Swiss Football League?
A: It means a club isn’t permitted to compete in the league they are currently in (or potentially aiming for). The SFL assesses clubs against strict criteria including financial stability, infrastructure, and administrative competence.Failing to meet these standards means a club can’t play in the professional leagues.
Q: Who are the clubs affected by these recent license denials and why?
A: AC Bellinzona and FC Schaffhausen, from the second-tier Dieci Challenge League, were denied licenses due to financial and procedural issues. SC Kriens from the Promotion League was also denied a license,citing a lack of required documentation.
Q: What happens if a club is denied a license?
A: The club can appeal the decision.If the appeal is accomplished, they can be granted a license and continue playing in their league. If the appeal fails,the club may face relegation or be prevented from participating in professional football.
Q: Which Promotion League teams are eligible to move up?
A: FC Biel-Bienne and FC Rapperswil-Jona have received licenses and are eligible for promotion to the Dieci Challenge League,provided they meet the sporting requirements (e.g., finishing high enough in the Promotion League standings).
Q: when will we know the final decisions?
A: The appeals body will make its final decisions on the appeals by May 21, 2025.
Q: What are the key criteria evaluated by the SFL licensing commission?
A: The commission assesses clubs based on legal compliance, infrastructural adequacy (stadiums, training facilities), sporting performance, administrative competence, financial stability, and security measures.
Q: Can a club lose its license mid-season?
A: Yes, although rare, a club can have its license revoked during the season if they fail to meet the licensing criteria. this usually happens due to severe financial difficulties or meaningful breaches of regulations.
Q: What happens if a club goes bankrupt or is dissolved?
A: The league manages the situation based on regulations.Usually, this involves restructuring the league, possibly with a replacement club or adjustments to promotion/relegation rules. It’s a complex process aimed at maintaining the integrity of the competition.
Q: How can fans stay informed about the appeal process?
A: Follow the official Swiss Football League (SFL) channels and major sports news outlets for updates. Check club websites and social media for official statements. Keep an eye on the news!
The licensing process is crucial for the stability and fair play within the Swiss football leagues. Stay tuned until May 21st to discover the final outcome of these license appeals!
