Brann Win CAS Battle Over 'UEFA Mafia' Chants in Free Speech Victory

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Norwegian side SK Brann have successfully overturned a UEFA fine at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), in a ruling the club hailed as a win for freedom of expression.

The dispute stemmed from a Women's Champions League match in which Brann fans chanted "UEFA Mafia" and displayed banners with the same message. UEFA had fined the club €5,000 for what it described as "provocative messages of an offensive nature." An initial appeal by Brann was rejected by the governing body in March 2024.

But on Sunday, Brann announced that CAS had sided with the club, ruling that they would not have to pay the fine imposed by UEFA. In a statement, the club called the outcome a "victory for free speech," expressing satisfaction that supporters' voices had been defended on a broader legal stage.

The ruling could have wider implications for how fan protests and critical messaging are treated by European football authorities in future competitions.