Times Online
Attend a special evening hosted by Mike Atherton
Classic Times Fantasy Football is back. We got two great games for you to play and £100K to be won
Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has welcomed Uefa's investigation into the finances of European football - and called for those clubs who run at a loss to be "kicked out" of the Champions League.
Michel Platini, the Uefa president, is concerned at the high level of debt carried by some clubs - maintaining they are "cheating" by purchasing players they simply cannot afford.
Neither Platini nor Wenger have singled out any individual outfit for concern - although Manchester United and Chelsea owe a combined total of around £1.5billion between them.
However, there is a growing feeling of a need to guard against clubs heading towards financial meltdown, such as the path taken by Leeds United, who are now in Coca-Cola League One, and some Spanish sides such as financially-stricken Celta Vigo, who could go into liquidation, while Valencia are also reported to be heavily in debt.
"It is very welcome," Wenger said. "I think teams who have deficit should be kicked out of Europe. The only way to go is that there is a control over all of Europe, and I think it will go that way whether you like it or not.
"Uefa will bring in a control of the management of every individual club and every individual club will be controlled. It is very important for the fans of the competition first, and it is very important that every club lives with the resources they have available - clubs should not speculate and then after one year they cannot pay the salaries for the next seasons.
"Every transfer nowadays in Europe is paid over two or three years, and it is compulsory that Uefa controls that the commitment of the club is right, because if that does not happen, it can all collapse very quickly."
Wenger does accept that certain clubs - namely Chelsea, are currently in a league of their own when it comes to spending power. "I would prefer transfer fees paid straight away," he said, "but when you look at the numbers involved right now, nobody can do that any more.
"Who is a club in Europe who can pay £30m cash? I know one, but only one."
Industry sectors news at a glance. Interactive heatmap, video and podcast
Everything the Business Traveller needs to know to make a better trip
Get ready for the winter sports season, with our resort guides and snow reports
We are backing British business, what is the confidence of the nation and what businesses are succeeding?
Growing demand for energy, oil that is harder to reach and the rise of carbon dioxide emissions. We examine the energy challenge
With rail travel in Europe on the rise, we review the benefits of travelling by train
In this special section we explore new food trends to help improve your dinner party and impress guests
Enjoy further reading from Travel to Fashion, Business to Sport, discover more
1998
£47,955
12 months for the price of 11 and a 5% discount.
Offer ends 31/11/09
Check your free Experian credit report before applying
Car Insurance
£353 per day
Phonepay Plus
London
£12,000 plus expenses
Ministry of Justice
London
£37,000
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
London
Currently £36,285
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
London
Moments from Battersea Park.
For sale with Winkworth
Find out about shared ownership.
See your free Experian credit report beforehand
Accommodation, flights, tickets to the race and a KL city tour for only £999pp
PremierHolidays.co.uk
For your ultimate tailor-made ski holiday, click here
Get covered on your travels with a superb range of policies at great prices. Visit InsureandGo.com
World Class Golf, Spa and preferential Beach Club. Private estate overlooking West Coast
Villas from £275 per night inclusive of Golf
Contact our advertising team for advertising and sponsorship in Times Online, The Times and The Sunday Times, or place your advertisement.
Times Online Services: Dating | Jobs | Property Search | Used Cars | Holidays | Births, Marriages, Deaths | Subscriptions | E-paper
News International associated websites: Globrix Property Search | Milkround
Copyright 2009 Times Newspapers Ltd.
This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard Terms and Conditions. Please read our Privacy Policy.To inquire about a licence to reproduce material from Times Online, The Times or The Sunday Times, click here.This website is published by a member of the News International Group. News International Limited, 1 Virginia St, London E98 1XY, is the holding company for the News International group and is registered in England No 81701. VAT number GB 243 8054 69.