Uefa president, Aleksander Ceferin, has recognized that the Champions League final in Istanbul did not meet all expectations for fans, following reports of various issues surrounding the event. On June 10, as Manchester City defeated Inter Milan, fans encountered difficulties such as inadequate water supply and widespread traffic problems. Previously, Uefa had issued an apology for the mistreatment of Liverpool fans during the previous year’s final in Paris but had not addressed the problems faced by supporters in Istanbul until now.
Speaking at the opening of the European Football Fans Congress in Manchester, Ceferin admitted that there were indeed problems in Turkey that needed to be addressed. He acknowledged the inconveniences faced by fans and expressed a commitment to working together to improve the overall experience. Ceferin specifically highlighted the need for better transport links to and from the stadium, improved hosting of supporters at the venue, and enhanced accessibility to water and sanitary facilities for all attendees.
Football Supporters Europe has been collecting firsthand accounts from fans in Istanbul to compile a report to be presented to Uefa. Ceferin also mentioned that the other major finals in men’s and women’s football had taken place without significant issues, reassuring fans that improvements were being sought.
Looking ahead, Ceferin emphasized that the upcoming showpieces, including the 2024 Champions League final at Wembley and the European Championships in Germany, would provide a unique and improved experience for fans. He expressed gratitude to the fans for their activism in opposing the proposed European Super League in 2022 and condemned the chaotic scenes that occurred in Paris last year. Ceferin personally apologized for the events and criticized the initial attempts by Uefa and French authorities to blame supporters, acknowledging Uefa’s responsibility in the matter.
Addressing recent incidents of fan misconduct, Ceferin called for action against those individuals who tarnish the reputation of football and its supporters. He urged fans to denounce and distance themselves from those who exhibit hate, threats, and violence towards football officials, referees, Uefa staff, federations, and leagues. Ceferin emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment within the sport, acknowledging that mistakes can be made by all parties involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UEFA president, Istanbul Champions League final, fan experience, apology, fan misconduct.
What were the reported issues during the Champions League final in Istanbul?
There were several reported issues during the Champions League final in Istanbul. Fans had to walk extended distances along busy roads, queued for hours for transport to and from the stadium, and experienced a shortage of water. These issues impacted the overall fan experience.
Did UEFA address the problems faced by supporters in Istanbul?
Initially, UEFA had not addressed the issues faced by supporters in Istanbul. However, during the opening of the European Football Fans Congress in Manchester, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin acknowledged that not everything was perfect and accepted that there were problems that needed to be addressed.
What improvements did Ceferin mention for future events?
Ceferin mentioned specific areas for improvement in future events, including better transport links to and from the stadium, enhanced hosting of stadium supporters, and improved access to water and toilets for everyone. These improvements aim to enhance the overall experience for fans attending UEFA events.
How did Ceferin address past failings, such as the chaos in Paris?
Ceferin apologized for past failings, particularly the chaos that occurred during the previous year’s final in Paris. He acknowledged UEFA’s primary responsibility in the matter and expressed regret for the attempts to blame ticketless fans. Ceferin emphasized the need to learn from these incidents and work towards creating a better and more inclusive environment for fans.
What did Ceferin say about fan misconduct?
Ceferin condemned fan misconduct and called for action against those individuals who engage in threats, intimidation, and violence towards football officials, referees, UEFA staff, federations, and leagues. He urged fans to denounce such behavior and emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive atmosphere within the sport.
More about UEFA president, Istanbul Champions League final, fan experience, apology, fan misconduct.
- Champions League final: Fans faced issues in Istanbul
- UEFA president apologizes for past failings
- European Football Fans Congress
- UEFA’s review of past incidents
- Fan misconduct and the call for unity
5 comments
fan behavior is a big problem, glad ceferin called them out. idiots ruin it for everyone. let’s keep football about love and respect, not hate!
Can’t believe there were no water for the fans! that’s so unaccptable. Good to see ceferin finally apologizing. Hope the transportation and hosting issues get better!
Finally some accountability from UEFA. Remember the chaos in Paris? They blamed the fans, but it was their fault! Good on ceferin for saying sorry. Let’s hope for better organization next time.
uefa finally says sorry for all the probs during Istanbul final! Bout time they aknowlidged it. Hope they fix stuff for future games. #FanPower
Thanks for the refs, UEFA, but fix the water, the toilets, the transport! Istanbul was a mess! Can’t wait for Wembley final tho, it’s gonna be epic!