On Monday, the UEFA announced it is opening an independent report for investigating the security chaos before the Champions League Finals. Here’s more on the incident before Real Madrid and Liverpool in Paris’ Stade de France.
UEFA to investigate the issue at the Champions League finals
The Union of European Football (UEFA) is launching an independent report for investigating the issue that took place before the Champions League finals. It will “examine decision making, responsibility, and behaviors of all entities involved in the final”. The football governing body has established Tiago Brandao Rodrigues, a Portuguese politician to oversee the report. Based on the completion of the report, they will decide on the final course of action.
In addition to serving as Portugal’s Minister of Education, Brandao Rodrigues was a member of the World Antidoping Agency. He also served as Portugal’s Olympic attache during the London Olympics in 2012. “Evidence will be gathered from all relevant parties and the findings of the independent report will be made public once completed. Upon receipt of the findings, UEFA will evaluate the next steps,” it added.
French government blames ticketing fraud
On Monday, France blamed an “industrial-scale” ticket fraud being the causing agent of the chaotic scene marring the Champions League finals where Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0. The French government is also facing criticism from politicians and the press for policing the match. The kick-off at the Stade de France in Paris faced over 30 minutes of delay as Liverpool ticket holders were waiting in huge queues. The French police later used tear gas on the crowd. According to Amelie Oudea-Castera, the French sports minister, there were “no problems” with Madrid supporters as the lines were moving faster. She added that Liverpool had led their supporters “out in the wild”.
Tom Werner, the Liverpool chairman wrote a letter to the minister, demanding an apology for her comments. “The events that occurred in and around the Stade de France on Saturday night at the UEFA Champions League final were not only incredibly dangerous for all who attended. But raised serious questions about the organization and operation of the event,” wrote Werner. “This should be the focus of all interested parties today rather than pursuing a blame game strategy via press conference. The UEFA Champions League final should be one of the finest spectacles in world sport. Instead, it devolved into one of the worst security collapses in recent memory,” he added.