FC Basel will look to overcome controversy when it takes on Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The club was recently fined 30,000 euros after a Greenpeace protest in their home game against Schalke 04 earlier this month. A number of members of the organization showcased a massive banner against Russian gas company Gazprom; the company is a sponsor of the Champions League and Schalke 04. UEFA then decided to take action against the protest and wound up punishing the Swiss club for not handling the situation correctly.
"Following a meeting of the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Committee, FC Basel 1893 have been fined 30,000 euros for insufficient organization following incidents at their UEFA Champions League matchday two fixture at home against FC Schalke 04 on October 1," said a statement by UEFA regarding the incident.
Schalke won that game and left Basel in a tie with Chelsea for second place in the group. For Basel, the game with Bucharest is a huge opportunity to jump back into second place. Bucharest has lost its first two games by a combined score of 7-0. Moreover, Chelsea is facing off against Schalke and one of those sides is bound to lose some points. If Chelsea loses on the road, then a Basel win would put the Swiss side back into second place.
Prediction: FC Basel wins 2-0 on the road.
Start Time: 2:45 p.m. EST