UEFA accused of lying about 2022 Champions League final fiasco

UEFA has been accused of presenting "completely false" evidence in its investigation into incidents that took place before the 2022 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France.

The allegations were made by UEFA's then director of operations, Sharon Bukhalter-Lau. The European body allegedly falsified evidence to protect its security unit, 'The Guardian' reported.

Security for the entry of fans failed and numerous Liverpool fans, especially, were involved in access problems, crushing and attacks by local citizens.

In UEFA's investigation, the main culprit for the problems was found to be the events division, headed by Bulkhalter-Lau, which failed to take into account the security unit.

However, the former director of operations accuses UEFA of covering up for the head of the security unit, Zeljko Pavlica, one of Aleksander Ceferin's closest friends.

Bulkhalter-Lau spoke at the investigation, accusing Pavlica of not attending previous security meetings and not providing planning information.

The testimony of Pavlica, who claimed to have been in the VIP area until 20.45, when the match was delayed, was not included in the investigation memorandum.

"I understand that there has been an agreed strategy to protect the security unit by stating that all security issues would be communicated through project management, which places the blame for any perceived errors or omissions on Tiziano's team," Bulkhater-Lau said, referring to Tiziano Gaier, who was in charge.

In addition, the former director of operations accused UEFA general secretary Theodoridis and Martin Kaller, head of events, of approving the memorandum with a "completely false" statement.

 

September 26, 2023