Sports court overturns AC Milan's Europa ban

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP):

In a legal victory over UEFA, AC Milan are back in the Europa League after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned a ban imposed for overspending.

The court said yesterday the punishment was "not proportionate" following a takeover completed last week, even though UEFA was right to judge Milan had broken financial monitoring rules.

The seven-time European champions had failed to approach breaking even on player transfers and wages over several seasons in which it failed to qualify for the top-tier Champions League.

UEFA was ordered to review the case and apply a "proportionate disciplinary measure," the court said in an urgent ruling.

Milan's reprieve was largely due to the takeover by a United States-based hedge fund which last year provided key finance to a Chinese-led purchase of the storied club.

In a statement yesterday, UEFA noted without comment that the case returns to the judging section of its club finance panel.

The verdict was given without detailed reasons from a three-judge panel, one day after a hearing at the highest court in world sports.

An urgent ruling was needed because the case affected Italy's entry in the Europa League second qualifying round next week.