UEFA has confirmed it has commissioned an independent review into the chaotic scenes that marred the Champions League final on Saturday.
The showpiece in Paris – eventually won by Real Madrid as they beat Liverpool 1-0 – was delayed by over 30 minutes with ticket-holders stranded outside in huge crowds.
French police used tear gas and pepper spray during the disgraceful events of the night.
UEFA’s statement reads: “UEFA has today announced it has commissioned an independent report into the events surrounding the UEFA Champions League final in Paris on Saturday 28 May. The comprehensive review will examine decision making, responsibility and behaviours of all entities involved in the final.
“The report will be independently compiled and Dr. Tiago Brandão Rodrigues from Portugal will lead the production of this review.
“Dr. Tiago Brandão Rodrigues (born in Braga, Portugal in 1977) is a Member of the Portuguese Parliament and the President of the Parliamentary Committee of Environment and Energy. He was the Portuguese Minister of Education (also in charge of Sports and Youth) between 2015 and 2022, a member of the World Antidoping Agency Foundation Board (2019-2021) and was the Portuguese Olympic attaché during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
“In order to guarantee his independent status in the process, Dr. Brandão Rodrigues agreed to execute this task on a pro bono basis.
Listen to Talking Transfers, 90min’s transfer podcast. On this week’s episode, Scott Saunders, Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey discuss Sadio Mane’s Liverpool future, Man Utd’s interest in Darwin Nunez, Ivan Perisic’s move to Spurs and Chelsea’s midfield options.
“Evidence will be gathered from all relevant parties and the findings of the independent report will be made public once completed and upon receipt of the findings, UEFA will evaluate the next steps.”
The French sports minister blamed Liverpool fans for the chaos, with UEFA taking a similar tact in the build-up to the final by claiming the match had been held up due to the “late arrival of fans at the stadium,” even though this was clearly not the case.
