In football, a red card is the ultimate penalty, but sometimes fines can sting even more. When players rack up hefty fines for misconduct or breach of rules, the financial hit can be significant. These fines not only affect their wallets but can also impact their careers and team dynamics. Here are 10 times football’s bad decisions came with a bill no one could forget.
Dan Snyder’s $60 Million Disaster (2023)
Dan Snyder’s time as the owner of the Washington Commanders was anything but smooth. In 2023, the NFL dropped a $60 million fine on him after an investigation confirmed he was guilty of sexual harassment and financial misconduct—not exactly the legacy anyone wants.
FIFA’s $60 Million Corruption Mess (2015)
Do you remember when FIFA’s world came crashing down? In 2015, the football world was rocked by a massive corruption scandal. Officials were fined a combined $60 million for bribery, match-fixing, and all kinds of shady dealings. Count in resignations and lifetime bans.
PSG’s $71.5 Million Spending Spree Penalty (2022)
Paris Saint-Germain loves splashing cash on superstars, but UEFA wasn’t impressed. They fined PSG a huge €65 million (around $71.5 million) for breaking Financial Fair Play rules in 2022. Sure, they only had to pay €10 million upfront, but the message was clear.
The Cowboys and 49ers’ $46 Million Cap Trick (2002)
Salary cap rules are there for a reason. However, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers learned that the hard way. The NFL caught both teams manipulating contracts to bend the cap rules in 2002. A combined $46 million was the fine they paid.
Manchester City’s $33 Million FFP Slip (2020)
Manchester City is no stranger to controversy. In 2020, UEFA hit them with a €30 million (about $33 million) fine for Financial Fair Play violations. They were even banned from European competitions at first! But after an appeal, the fine was cut to €10 million.
Washington Commanders’ $10 Million Wake-Up Call (2021)
Before Dan Snyder’s record-breaking fine, the Washington Commanders were already in deep waters. Reports of harassment and misconduct led to a full-blown investigation in 2021, and the NFL fined the Washington Commanders $10 million for their toxic workplace culture.
Chelsea’s $10 Million Recruitment Blunder (2009)
FIFA fined Chelsea FC £8 million (about $10 million) and handed down a transfer ban in 2009. Why? Because Chelsea FC went a little too far trying to sign Gaël Kakuta from French club Lens. Although the ban was lifted later, the fine for snagging young talent stuck around.
Barcelona’s $6 Million Neymar Headache (2016)
Neymar’s move to FC Barcelona in 2013 was supposed to be a dream signing. Instead, it turned into a tax nightmare. By 2016, the club was fined €5.5 million (about $6 million) for tax fraud and dodgy contract details—not exactly the kind of highlight reel the club had in mind.
Patriots’ $1 Million Deflategate Drama (2015)
Football scandals in 2015 couldn’t be bigger than Deflategate. That year, the NFL fined the New England Patriots $1 million for using underinflated balls during the AFC Championship Game. They also lost two draft picks. A team with multiple Super Bowl wins was hit hard.
Juventus’ $789,800 Financial Fumble (2023)
Finances got messy for Juventus in 2023 when they were fined €718,000 (about $789,800) for inflating player transfer values. It wasn’t just a fine—they also got hit with a points deduction in Serie A. It was a rough season that only got rougher owing to some creative bookkeeping.
