Potential League Repercussions

The Czech First League title race could be significantly impacted by an ongoing ethics commission investigation into alleged corruption involving MFK Karviná. The potential exclusion of Karviná from the competition could drastically reshape the league table, affecting the positions of current leaders Slavia Prague and Sparta Prague.

Competition Rules and Potential Outcomes

League rules outline a clear procedure for dealing with a team’s exclusion. According to point 14.6 of the competition rules, Provided that a Member Club has been subject to the disciplinary penalty of exclusion from the competition, all previous results of the Member Club’s team shall be annulled, the Member Club’s team shall be placed last in the table and treated as first relegated.

Several scenarios are possible depending on when a decision is reached:

Karviná Excluded Before the Superstructure

All of Karviná’s results would be nullified, placing them last with zero points and resulting in immediate relegation. This would open up two play-off spots.

Karviná Excluded During the Superstructure

Results would be annulled, but the composition of the groups for the title, environment, and rescue phases would remain unchanged, even if the modified table impacts group assignments.

Karviná Excluded After the Superstructure, But Before the Barrage

Karviná would be relegated, with the 15th and 16th placed teams entering a play-off to determine the final relegation spot.

Karviná Excluded After the Play-off

Karviná would be relegated. The 16th team would too be relegated, and one of the play-off losers would be granted participation in the next season.

Timeline and Delays

The timing of the ethics commission’s verdict is uncertain. It is very realistic that the ethics commission will not have time to deliver its verdict in any of the mentioned terms

due to the need to review extensive evidence and allow for potential appeals.

Current Standings (as of November 2, 2026)

As of November 2, 2026, the league standings are as follows:

1. Slavia Prague – 30 points
2. Sparta Prague – 30 points
3. Jablonec – 28 points
4. Viktoria Plzeň – 25 points
5. Sigma Olomouc – 23 points
6. Zlín – 23 points
7. Karviná – 22 points
8. Slovan Liberec – 20 points
9. Hradec Králové – 20 points
10. Bohemians 1905 – 16 points
11. Dukla Praha – 12 points
12. Pardubice – 12 points
13. Teplice – 11 points

Recent Match Results

On November 2, 2026, Karviná defeated Sparta Prague 2-1.

AC Sparta Praha is scheduled to play MFK Karviná on April 5, 2026, at epet ARENA in Prague.

FAQ

What happens if Karviná is expelled?

All of Karviná’s results will be annulled, and they will be placed last in the table and relegated.

Could this affect Slavia Prague’s lead?

Yes, depending on when the decision is made, Slavia Prague’s lead could be reduced.