Macedonian side FK Pobeda have been banned from European competition for eight years after being found guilty of manipulating the outcome of a Champions League match.

The Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body today issued the suspension “for breaching the principles of integrity and sportsmanship under Article 5 of the Uefa disciplinary regulations”. The ban runs from the start of the 2009/10 season.

Uefa’s disciplinary panel, which debated the matter for seven hours, also ruled the club’s president, Aleksandar Zabrcanec, and Pobeda player Nikolce Zdraveski be banned for life from all football-related activity.

Europe’s governing body will be contacting their global equivalent, FIFA, to request that the punishments are extended worldwide. Pobeda have three days to appeal the decision on receipt of the grounds for the ruling.

The charges against Pobeda relate to the club’s Champions League first qualifying round tie against FC Pyunik over two legs on July 13th and 21st, 2004.

Uefa’s ruling was based on reports of irregular betting patterns and the declarations of witnesses.