Swiss club Sion fined for slogans on jerseys

The Swiss Football League has fined FC Sion 20,000 Swiss francs ($21,600; €16,500) for displaying political messages on its jerseys.

Sion players wore the slogan "Tourisme (equals) Emplois" (Tourism (equals) Jobs) in a Feb. 26 match against Servette "despite the league's refusal" of the club's request.

The league says its disciplinary commission linked the slogan to an upcoming national vote to limit vacation home ownership.

Sion can appeal, and face a second case after playing FC Zurich the following weekend with a German slogan reading "Solidarity between cantons (states)."

Sion are also appealing a deduction of 36 league points for challenging FIFA, UEFA and Swiss football authorities in ordinary courts in a player eligibility case.