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Tax-free Monaco rile French rivals


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PARIS, France -- Monaco have been accused of enjoying unfair tax advantages and of depriving other French teams of places in the Champions League.

A group of leading club presidents have launched the campaign, claiming the principality's lack of income tax makes it easier for Monaco to attract star players despite small crowds.

"Monaco take a Champions League place away from other French clubs," Marseille president Christophe Bouchet told Reuters.

Bouchet has joined Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas and Lens president Gervais Martel in calling for UEFA to award an independent berth to Monaco in club competitions, and for Monaco to pay an entry fee to play in the French league.

"Clubs like Marseille, Lyon, Lens, Bordeaux, Nantes or Auxerre are penalized," said Bouchet. "I think a deal with UEFA regarding Monaco would be the most sensible solution."

Monaco, who rarely attract more than 5,000 supporters, finished second in the first division last season to qualify for this season's Champions League.

But they only avoided demotion to the second division because of debts exceeding $58 million on appeal after promising to maintain tighter spending controls.

Didier Deschamps' side beat Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven in their first Champions League match of the season last week and are currently top of the French league.


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