Dukla Prague owner Matěj Turek told ČTK that the club will pursue legal action against the LFA regarding the composition of the Chance Liga. The club argues it should have been reinstated to the top flight following MFK Karviná’s exclusion for match-fixing, rather than the league allowing Artis Brno to fill the vacancy.
Why is Dukla Prague contesting the Chance Liga lineup?
Dukla Prague maintains that as a team relegated from the top division, they should have held priority over clubs from the second league. Following consultations with legal counsel, owner Matěj Turek stated that the club does not accept the LFA’s decision to award the vacancy to Artis Brno.
The dispute stems from the exclusion of MFK Karviná by the FAČR ethics committee due to match-fixing. While Karviná initially appealed the decision, the club withdrew its appeal after the new season’s schedule was released. This left a vacancy in the first division that the LFA filled by inviting second-division clubs.
According to Turek, the club’s legal position rests on the interpretation of existing regulations. His lawyers argue that the process for “supplementing” a league typically applies to situations where teams fail to submit applications, not when a team is forcibly excluded for disciplinary reasons.
How does the LFA justify the inclusion of Artis Brno?
LFA Executive Director Tomáš Bárta explained that the timing of the 2025/26 season’s conclusion was the deciding factor. The season officially ended on June 22, at which point the final table identified Dukla Prague as a relegated club.
Bárta stated in a press release that because MFK Karviná was excluded only after the season had closed, the vacancy could not be filled by retroactively altering the final standings. “The vacancy in the Chance Liga could not be filled by changing the final standings in favor of Dukla, but exclusively by a promotion to supplement the competition according to the rules established by the relevant regulations,” Bárta said.
The selection process followed a specific hierarchy. Táborsko, the highest-ranked club from the second division without direct promotion, was offered the spot first. When Táborsko declined, the opportunity was extended to Artis Brno, which accepted the offer.
Comparing the LFA and Dukla Perspectives
| Issue | LFA Position | Dukla Prague Position |
|---|---|---|
| Vacancy Type | A vacancy to be “supplemented” via rules. | A spot for the highest-ranked relegated team. |
| Rule Application | Based on the June 22 season end date. | Based on the status of a relegated club. |
What role did the FAČR rule change play in the dispute?
Dukla Prague has accused the FAČR of making a “purposeful” amendment to the competition regulations to undermine their legal challenge. Turek noted that the FAČR adopted a new amendment on June 26, just two days after Dukla submitted its initial motion.
This amendment specifically allows for the supplementing of teams in the league. Turek argued that the timing of this change suggests the FAČR recognized that the original regulations supported Dukla’s interpretation. He claimed the move was intended to facilitate the inclusion of a second-division team rather than reinstating a relegated one.
The legal battle may set a precedent for how football associations handle sudden changes in league membership. If the court finds that the rule change was reactive rather than proactive, it could impact how sporting regulations are amended during active legal disputes.
What is the status of MFK Karviná?
Following the ethics committee’s decision, MFK Karviná will compete in the second division. The club has also been barred from participating in European competitions, losing the opportunity to compete in continental tournaments despite having previously qualified as the domestic cup winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is replacing Karviná in the first division?
Artis Brno has taken the spot in the Chance Liga after Táborsko declined the offer.
Why was Karviná excluded from the league?
The FAČR ethics committee excluded the club due to involvement in match-fixing.
When did the season officially end?
The 2025/26 competitive season concluded on June 22.
Is Dukla Prague playing in the first division?
No, Dukla Prague remains in the second division while they pursue legal action to challenge the LFA’s decision.
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