LONDON: European football officials, furious at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s claims the Champions League draw was fixed, have called for the Scot to be stripped of his knighthood.
Austrian Football Association chief Friedrich Stickler, the man who physically drew United’s name out alongside Real Madrid in the quarter-final draw, warned he might sue.
“This is absolute nonsense. It is incredible. They should take away his title,” Stickler told The Sun.
“How can he say such a thing, I’m speechless. This raises doubts about his integrity and sportsmanship.
“If he does not take that back in an official statement immediately, I will consult my lawyers.”
Ferguson, whose side were thrashed 3-1 by Real in Tuesday night’s first leg game in Spain, had alleged the quarter-finals were rigged so that Spanish teams avoided Italian sides.
The United manager also asked why none of the three Spanish teams were drawn against a club from the same country, nor any of the three Italian teams.
And even though he has apologised, UEFA could still punish him.
“With his remarks Sir Alex cast doubt upon the integrity of the draw for the quarter-finals,” UEFA said in a statement on Tuesday.
UEFA disciplinary regulations state that member associations, players, officials and members should conduct themselves according to the principle of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship.
And Ferguson had breached these principles by bringing UEFA into disrepute.
The case will be dealt with by the UEFA control and disciplinary body on May 1.
When the draw was made, Ferguson said: “Real Madrid – they have a nice draw, they must have picked it themselves.
“The Spanish or Italian teams don’t play each other, how do you think they work that out? They don’t want us in the final, that’s for sure.”
However, he was sent a letter by UEFA confirming there was no conspiracy against the Old Trafford club and he was forced to concede: “I have been assured by UEFA that the draw was fair.
“I take their word for it, so I was wrong to say what I did.” – AFP
Austrian Football Association chief Friedrich Stickler, the man who physically drew United’s name out alongside Real Madrid in the quarter-final draw, warned he might sue.
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
