EU Commission Fines Eurofield and Unanime Sport for Incomplete Information in Antitrust Probe

The case stems from a request for information sent by the Commission in June 2023. Following an initial review of Eurofield’s reply, discrepancies emerged when compared with documents obtained during unannounced inspections. In October 2023, a formal decision under Article 18(3) of Regulation No 1/2003 was issued, obliging the company to provide complete information. Despite this, Eurofield once again failed to submit a full response.

In November 2024, the Commission informed both Eurofield and Unanime Sport of a procedural investigation into their conduct. At that stage, the companies acknowledged liability, agreed to cooperate, and delivered the missing documents along with additional information. Their cooperation ultimately secured them a 30% reduction in the financial penalty, per EU Reporter.

Under Article 23(1)(b) of Regulation No 1/2003, the Commission has the authority to fine firms up to 1% of their turnover if they intentionally or negligently supply false, incomplete, or misleading data in response to formal requests. In this case, the infringement was judged to be at least negligent. The Commission noted that recipients of such requests are obliged to respond with precision and, in cases of uncertainty, must seek clarification instead of risking omissions.

Related: Synthetic Turf Firms Fined by EU Over Antitrust Probe

The fine, set at 0.3% of the combined turnover of Eurofield and Unanime Sport, reflects both the seriousness of the infringement and the mitigating effect of their cooperation. The Commission emphasized that requests for information are essential tools in competition investigations, and incomplete replies can significantly hinder its ability to pursue suspected anti-competitive practices.

This decision marks the first time the Commission has applied its powers under Article 23(1)(b) to sanction a company specifically for providing incomplete information during an antitrust probe. Past procedural breaches have resulted in higher fines, such as the €15.9 million penalty against International Fragrances and Flavours in 2024 for deleting inspection-related messages, and earlier fines against E.On, Suez Environnement, and Lyonnaise des Eaux for breaches of inspection seals.

The Commission’s broader investigation into the synthetic turf market remains ongoing and is considered separate from the penalty procedure involving Eurofield and Unanime Sport, according to EU Reporter.