The anger was evident against UEFA president Alexander Ceferin as they faced the shock of 12 elite clubs announcing the creation of the European Super League on Sunday.
In addition to the anger, the Slovenian official’s body language indicated that he was ready to wage a war in anticipation of European soccer.
Ljubljana’s lawyer stressed that “there is nothing personal” about him in the dispute, but there are indications to the contrary.
He paused before saying, “Except maybe Agnelli.”
Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, president of the European Club Association until Sunday, appeared in the middle of the conspiracy that led to the surprise announcement of the new competition.
Not only was Agnelli an ally of Ceferin, but he was a close friend, he even asked the Slovenian lawyer to be the godfather of his daughter, which he accepted.
So it’s not surprising that Ceferin turned to his friend when rumors spread over the weekend that big clubs had jumped ship from UEFA and organized their own tournament.
“He told me on Saturday, ‘Don’t worry, these are just rumors,'” Ceferin told reporters.” He said he would call me in an hour, then turned off his phone. ”
They did not speak together after that call.
He continued, “Agnelli is the biggest disappointment for all of us and I don’t want to make it personal, but I haven’t seen anyone who lies as long and as persistently as he does.”
Agnelli did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on Ceferin’s remarks. Ceferin continued, “Maybe we are naive and don’t know that there are snakes near us.”
And he added, “I have seen a lot of things in my life. I used to be a criminal lawyer, but I haven’t seen people like that and it’s hard to believe the level of immorality in some people.”
He also referred to Manchester United’s executive vice president, Ed Woodward.
He explained, “Ed Woodward called me last Thursday night and said he fully supported the reforms when he had already agreed to something else.”
