Tag: UEFA

LAUSANNE: UEFA apologized for the first time over the distressful and chaotic events outside the Stade de France stadium on the day of the Champions League Final- a much-celebrated European football event of the year- between Real Madrid and Liverpool.

The European Football’s governing body in a statement issued on Friday offered an apology for the ‘frightening’ and ‘distressing’ events on the UCL final as thousands of spectators were denied entry into the stadium and witnessed the use of tear gas by the police.

“UEFA wishes to sincerely apologise to all spectators who had to experience or witness frightening and distressing events in the build-up to the UEFA Champions League final at the Stade de France on 28 May 2022 in Paris,” said UEFA in its published statement.

UEFA also published the terms of reference of the commission which it had announced immediately after the event for the independent review of the incident.

“UEFA commissioned an Independent Review to identify shortcomings and responsibilities of all entities involved in the organisation of the final, and has today published the Terms of Reference for this review.” further added in its statement.

The independent review announced by the UEFA will be led by Dr. Tiago Brandao Rodrigues from Portugal to determine what happened leading up to the final and what lessons should be learned to guarantee the acts and events of that day are not repeated.

The review will go through the planning, ticketing, and security of the final while also looking at fan meeting points.

It will engage with UEFA, fan groups, including the Liverpool and Real Madrid, the French Football Federation (FFF), the police, the stadium operator, and other public authorities.

“Further information on how relevant parties can submit their testimonies (via a dedicated email address or an online questionnaire) will be communicated shortly,” added UEFA in its statement.

The body also confirmed that the review would start immediately and would be concluded within the shortest possible time frame.

Once completed, the Report will be published on UEFA’s website.

It is pertinent to mention here that Real Madrid has defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the Champion League final on May 29.

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BRUSSELS: Netherlands’ Memphis Depay struck twice to earn his team a historic feat against the home side Belgium, who lost to the Dutch after 25 years, in the UEFA Nations League Group D match. 

The Barcelona striker Depay looked in a fierce form as Steven Bergwijn and Denzel Dumfries also shared the team’s thumping lead of four goals. Belgium retaliated with a lone goal by Michy Batshuayi in the extra time.

Belgium started aggressively and could have taken a lead early on if Timothy Castagne hadn’t hit the crossbar, but the tide turned towards the Netherlands when Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku was taken off after an injury.

Bergwijin netted the ball for the first time in the 40th minute of the game, rendering his opponents to a deficit before the halftime.

Netherland completely dominated the opponents in the second half as Depay hit home in the 51st minute. Dumfries also got into the action and kicked the ball into the net in the 61st minute, quickly followed by Depay’s second blow in the 65th minute to thrash Belgium out of the game.

Netherlands will now be playing against Poland and Wales-the other two teams in Group D- after starting their UEFA Nations League campaign on a high note.

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SEVILLE: Portugal striker Ricardo Horta stunned Spain with his late equalizer to draw 1-1 in the opening match of Group two in the UEFA Nations League, here at Estadio Benito Villamarin Stadium on Thursday. 

Spain made a promising start to the game after Alvaro Morata netted the ball in the 25th minute, following a fine showcase of passing by midfielders Gavi and Pablo Sarabia.

Horta, who came as a substitute in the second half, however, nullified Spain’s lead, eight minutes before the final whistle.

Horta’s goal ensured a fourth consecutive draw between the two historic rivals. Portugal have not beaten Spain in a competitive match since 2004. Portugal have also been unable to win against Spain on the latter’s home soil.

Both the teams will play three more Nations League matches in the next 10 days. Portugal will host the Czech Republic and face Switzerland twice while Spain will travel to Switzerland between two matches against the Czechs.

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