The announcement comes on the eve of the Champions League group stage draw in Monaco tomorrow.

According to a statement on the TFF website, UEFA wrote to the federation yesterday to demand Fenerbahce's withdrawal, threatening wider disciplinary action against the TFF should they fail to do so.

The letter was forwarded to Fenerbahce, who declined to withdraw.

"In the face of this development, on August 24 an extraordinary meeting of the board of directors was held to discuss the threat of the Turkish Football Federation being exposed to severe disciplinary sanctions if Fenerbahce took part in the UEFA Champions League this season, and it was decided to bar them from participating," the statement said.

Fenerbahce were crowned league champions last term, pipping Trabzonspor to the Super Lig title with a dramatic 4-3 win at Sivasspor on the final day.

The final standings remain official, but Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim is one of more than 30 people held in custody pending trial on the matter.

UEFA are expected to make an announcement later this evening.

Ahead of the expected UEFA statement, there was confusion over who would take Fenerbahce's spot in the competition.

The remaining second legs of the play-offs were due to take place tonight, and there was speculation that one of the beaten teams from this round would be reinstated.

If UEFA were to go by co-efficients, Arsenal would be guaranteed a place in the group stage, regardless of the outcome of their tie against Udinese.

There was also the possibility the TFF could be invited to enter another team in Fenerbahce's place.