Lennart Johansson has been a little annoyed lately.
For this seventy-five-year-old Swedish man, his fourteen-year career as UEFA president was naturally not going to be smooth sailing. For example, Havelange and Blatter, the two presidents of FIFA, have always regarded him as a thorn in their side and wanted to get rid of it quickly.
If it were just covetousness and malice from Blatter's side, Johansson wouldn't be too worried. Because Blatter and Havelange are the same, their base is in distant South America, and it is difficult to reach out to Europe, which is separated by the Atlantic Ocean and is Johansson's base camp.
And now, as Johansson is getting older and less energetic than before, UEFA, which was originally run like an iron barrel by the Swedes, has begun to become less monolithic. In particular, Platini, who has a very close relationship with FIFA, clearly stood against Johansson after being elected as UEFA executive committee member, and quickly gathered a force to support him, making Johansson's opposition to UEFA. The internal control is much worse than at his peak!
The most recent Champions League draw is the most powerful proof. If Johansson's control over UEFA had not declined, how could it have been possible for the four English teams to collectively face strong opponents in the quarter-finals? You know, the British Isles have always been Johansson's staunchest supporter. No matter how dim-sighted the Swedes are, they will never be stupid enough to attack their own people.
Therefore, after learning the results of the Champions League draw, Johansson, who realized that something was wrong, immediately sent people to contact and appease the Football Association and explain to them the whole story, lest the British rebel in anger. Platini's camp.
Although like other members, the FA only has one vote in the UEFA presidential election, due to the special circumstances of the UK (there are four football associations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and its role in Europe Strong influence in the region, so Johansson must win over the UK as an ally to ensure his right to speak in UEFA.
"Lars (that is, Lars-Christer Olsen, the current UEFA Secretary General, Johansson's most capable assistant and confidant in UEFA), how is the situation in England, Thompson ( FA chairman) what did he say?”
As soon as Olsen entered the room, Johansson couldn't wait to ask the question he was most concerned about during this period - now that UEFA is about to launch a new round of presidential elections, Johansson does not want to lose the importance to him. One of the most important sources of supporters and votes!
Since Platini announced that he would run for UEFA president, the former football superstar has been actively traveling around Europe to promote his governing ideology of "equalizing the rich and the poor, equalizing the rich and the poor", vowing to After his election, he will reduce the number of participating seats for the four major league teams and give these places to small football countries. The football associations of Eastern Europe, eager to get more cakes from the Champions League, have turned to the French camp and become the general A staunch supporter of Latini!
Regarding the slogan shouted by Platini, Johansson can only say that the French are really being arrogant and don't feel bad - why can the Champions League become the most watched club event in international football and also have the largest market value? Not because there are so many clubs from different countries that can participate, but because fans can see the best stars and the top clubs going head-to-head on the court in the Champions League!
How many people care about a matchup between teams from Poland and Cyprus? For the vast majority of fans, this kind of game is not even as attractive to them as a UEFA Cup game between Villarreal and Newcastle! At least the latter has stars they are familiar with and love, but what about the former? Who would be interested in this kind of competition that is no different from noobs pecking each other? !
"The situation is okay. Although there is a lot of turmoil in the UK because of this draw, Thompson said he will try his best to let the media point their guns at Platini instead of pointing the finger directly at us." Orr Sen wiped the sweat from his forehead, adjusted his breathing slightly, and then told Johansson the latest news. Obviously, the UEFA Secretary-General has been very busy with the work of contacting the FA in the past two days.
"If Thompson said that, then there should be no problem." Johansson let out a long sigh of relief, and a big stone fell in his heart. Johnson still has considerable trust in Thompson's ability. Although the FA chairman is a bit too conservative and rigid, Thompson's ability to handle such matters is still not a problem.
"By the way, Lennart (Johansson). Thompson also told me before that he hopes that we can take special care of the emotions of the Tottenham club. Really, it is just a club, and it is not a top club like Manchester United. What's the big deal..." However, at this moment, Olson's slightly hesitant voice reached Johansson's ears. The former's words also made the UEFA president, who had just been feeling a little relaxed, suddenly frown!
"Tottenham Hotspur? You mean Tottenham Hotspur?" Hearing Olsen's words, Johansson thought for a moment and recalled the information about Tottenham Hotspur from his mind. "I remember this is a very interesting team. The club owner is also the head coach of the team, and he also led the team to the British runner-up last season. What? What is it about them that deserves Thompson's attention?"
"Well, I remember that the name of the Tottenham boss is George Nelson. He seems to have the title of Viscount. He is a hereditary nobleman in the UK. It's no big deal anymore..."
"Pfft - cough..." As soon as Olson finished speaking, he heard a violent cough from Johansson, "Russ, what did you say? That George Nelson is the owner of Tottenham?! "
"That's right, is there any problem?" Seeing Johansson's reaction so fiercely, Olson quickly stepped forward to help the old man calm down and asked in confusion, "It's just a viscount from the UK. There are as many as eighty people with similar titles in the UK, Lennart, there is no need for you to be so surprised, right?"
"Quick! Russ! Contact me George Nelson immediately!" Ignoring Olson's surprised expression, Johansson urged, "Ask me if he is still in Switzerland now? If he has left, then Book me a ticket to London, and I’ll go to London and explain to him in person!”
If you can establish a relationship with a super boss like George Nelson and get his support, then Platini and the like will not be a concern at all!
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