Romanov's clubs risk European ban under cross-ownership rules

THE stakes at risk in Vladimir Romanov's appeal against the Scottish Football Association's decision to fine him £10,000 are much higher than was previously realised as they involve the future of his three clubs in Europe.

The SFA's rulings could cost the Russian-born former submariner millions because the two other clubs he "sponsors", Lithuanian champions FB Kaunas and MTZ-RIPO of Minsk in Belarus, will be banned from Europe if Hearts qualify for next season's Uefa Cup.
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The SFA's finding that Romanov is in charge of Hearts has triggered the interest of European governing body Uefa because of its rules on two clubs in the same ownership. Sources at Hearts accept that the issue is now crucial for Romanov, who owns 82% of Hearts but still overtly denies any ownership or "influence" over his other clubs. "Uefa is aware of the situation regarding Hearts and Mr Romanov," said a spokesman at Uefa's headquarters in Switzerland. "If two or more clubs in the same ownership qualify for the same competition then one or more of them has to be removed as only one of the owner's clubs can take part."

The key to the latest problem for Romanov was the SFA's finding during the disciplinary hearing that he was in control of events at Hearts and was therefore subject to SFA rules. Romanov was fined £10,000 for remarks he made on the club's website suggesting anti-Hearts bias by referees.

Previously, despite considerable evidence to the contrary - he even admitted to picking the team - Hearts had argued that Romanov had no official role at the club. But the SFA changed its rules to close that loophole and now their finding has led to Uefa's involvement. If Romanov loses his appeal, Uefa will back the SFA's decision and that will trigger the following "cross-ownership" rules as passed to Scotland on Sunday by Uefa's public affairs division.

"No person may simultaneously be involved, either directly or indirectly, in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in the same Uefa club competition. In the case of two or more clubs under common control, only one may participate in the same Uefa club competition."

The rules add that the club with the highest Uefa club coefficient calculated over the past five seasons is admitted while the others are kept out. Thanks to general Scottish success in Europe, Hearts are presently ranked 107th in Uefa's club coefficient rankings, while neither Kaunas nor MTZ-RIPO is in the top 200. Hearts must finish second or third in the SPL - they are presently fifth - or go through the Intertoto Cup to qualify for the Uefa Cup. Romanov's beloved FB Kaunas would then be expelled from next year's Uefa Cup if as, expected, they fail to make the group stages of the Champions League for which they have already qualified as winners of the Lithuanian league.

If both Minsk and Kaunas were banned, each lost match would cost the clubs an estimated £500,000 - amounting to £1m minimum each over two qualifying rounds, and three or four times that sum were either club to make the group stages.

A spokesman for Romanov said the Lithuanian multi-millionaire had always co-operated with Uefa's inquiries: "The only link that Romanov has with MTZ-RIPO and FB Kaunas is through companies who sponsor both clubs."

But that was before the SFA ruled that he was indeed the owner of Hearts, triggering Uefa's interest.

There is ample evidence that Romanov controls FB Kaunas and MTZ-RIPO as well as Hearts. Uefa's own website, www.uefa.com, last year described Romanov as "a successful entrepreneur and owner of Lithuanian bank Ukio Bankas, who took his first step on the football ladder when he bought into local side FBK Kaunas. Belarus's FC MTZ-RIPO Minsk were added to the Romanov stable in 2002, before he shifted his focus to Britain."

MTZ-RIPO's website recently reported that "Vladimir Romanov flew to Minsk today. The main reason for his visit is reviewing proposals for soon to be build MTZ-RIPO sport complex." The development is said to be similar to that planned for Tynecastle by Romanov.

There have also been rumblings about the way Romanov shuttles players and coaching staff between Kaunas, Minsk and Edinburgh and uses the loan system to keep costs off Hearts' books. Belarusian international Vyacheslav Hleb is at Hearts for a trial. Reportedly, he will soon be joined by 30 Lithuanians, adding to the nine players "on loan" from FB Kaunas. Going the other way, Eduard Malofeev, who was caretaker manager at Hearts until last month, has been appointed head coach at MTZ-RIPO.

Asked how Romanov was able to shuttle coaches and players between the three clubs, the spokesman said: "The clubs have their own structures and is through those structures that staff are moved."

The outcome of Romanov's appeal will determine once and for all whether he is indeed seen by football's authorities as the controller of Hearts. The sad consequences for his other clubs will automatically follow - if, of course, Hearts make it into Europe.

Taken from the Scotsman