Graz clubs deducted points

The Bundesligaconfirmed it had decided to take 10 points from each of the clubs for insolvency, which meant they had not fulfilled the league's criteria, and deduct another 12 points from GAK for breaching licensing obligations.

"Unfortunately, this year's competition won't be battled out on the pitch only," said Bundesliga head Georg Pangel. "Qualifying for the Bundesliga is not purely based on one's sporting results."

With both clubs facing financial difficulties, fines would have been pointless, the Bundesliga added.

The clubs' players were shocked by the decision.

"We have been dealt a blow, there's no hope for the UEFA Cup now," Sturm forward and national player Mario Haas told the club's website. "But it's even worse for GAK -- the clearance sale will start now."

GAK are now at the bottom of the league table with minus one point, while Sturm Graz hold the penultimate position with 19 points.