FIFA / UEFA Conspiracies

(21-03-2010 00:18 )colino Wrote:  UEFA have a history of backtracking on major issues over the years, Liverpool being allowed in the 2006 Champions League as holders (After not qualifying by right, as per UEFA's own rules) after previously taking an "over our dead body" initial stance to name but one. Who do you think it was that persuaded them to do a complete about-turn and change their minds?

It was the then president of UEFA, Lennart Johansson. The UEFA Executive Committee of 14 members was divided on the issue, but Johansson managed to persuade them to accept his proposal to allow Liverpool in. It was certainly nothing to do with FIFA or with Sepp Blatter, as many of the 14 members of UEFA's executive committee would never have taken any notice of anything FIFA had said regarding a UEFA competition. They had their own opinions and their own reason for voting the way they did.

The position of Fenerbahce at the time was particularly important, as with Liverpool out of the group stages Fenerbahce were qualified for that stage. By only offering Liverpool a place in the qualifying rounds the vote of Senes Erzik from Turkey was assured, as he wouldn't have voted to allow Liverpool in if it meant that Fenerbahce had to drop down to a qualifying round. 10 days before the vote only 6 of the 14 members were backing the idea of allowing Liverpool in, so every single vote was crucial.