[Salopbaggie]

I would doubt there is very much that could be done legally to them, as all cases in this area would be classed as civil. In order to progress this in a civil case one party has to be able to show both harm and loss. Short of loss of reputation, which I think would be difficult to show, there is no breach of contract as the event never actually happened.

However there is a possible case from the footballing authorities of these clubs breaking their rules and could be subject to their own punishment regime, so there may be a case to be made of them bringing the game into disrepute:

"A Participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improperor brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”

Th FA's most severe penalty is expulsion, though I think they will probably think OK they have had a slap from their fans that will do, of course the option for EUFA to see a opportunity flex their muscles and add to their coffers might be to good to miss for them. Of course, on the other hand there may already have been deals done behind close doors.