3 pts reduced in 2003/04 + 125 K fine to be paid in the next four weeks for violating the licensing rules. One week time to complain for FCK.
Olaf, Do they usually defer the point reduction to the next season? I know they have a lot riding on staying in the Bundesliga, but with their improved play, I would think they would want the points off this year.
In most cases this is done for the next season, unless it bases on something especially related with the current one. This punishment was for contracts of the past with Youri Djorkaeff and Taribo West. They bought their "personal rights", which in reality is nothing else but salary that was not told to the taxation offices. These contracts refer to the past, so there is no reason to punish them now. If possible, it is also better to let the club know in time that they can calculate with it. Definitely there is never a choice for the clubs. Related to that: the possible Bayern punishment will probably be announced next week.
Cottbus and Nuremberg are complaining about the judgement. I get their arguments that they cheated over four years and just got three points - I did not think about that, so maybe 3 pts for each season would have been fair. Their arguing that it should be for this season, is understandable from their point of view, but has no base in reality. Kaiserslautern still feels treated unfair and will most likely protest though.
That's difficult to say without seeing the contract. A lot depends on the category (media?) and if not then it depends on whether or not it can be considered bribe money. My feeling of justice without seeing the contract says that a punishment of paying the full 21 M back to the league to divide it among all clubs plus about six points reduction for the next season would be fair. If it is considered bribe money then basically DFL has to cancel the licence though (what they'd never do).
You are much more fair than I would be They lose the size of the margin of their victory this season. 12 points, 15 points - whatever.