Austrian league leaders LASK Linz have been deducted six points for conducting team training sessions in violation of coronavirus pandemic restrictions, a decision that could have a big impact on the title race.
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The points deduction means LASK slipped from first place to second, three points behind defending champion Salzburg. There are 10 rounds left to play in the Austrian Bundesliga, which is due to resume on June 2.
The Austrian league said Thursday its had also fined the club €75,000 ($83,000) for breaking "the basic idea of fair play."
LASK said they will appeal the verdict.
The proceedings against LASK were started on May 14, when videos were shown to the league of the team training together instead of in small groups as permitted.
The club later acknowledged it held four team training sessions. Both LASK coach Valerien Ismael and vice-president Jurgen Werner apologised during a press conference.
LASK have 14 days to lodge their appeal.
