UEFA Cancel Champions League Quarter Final Second Legs
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Manchester United and Arsenal eliminated in shock UEFA decision.
Both Manchester United and Arsenal will be eliminated from the Champions League today if UEFA go ahead with a highly controversial decision to cancel the second legs of the quarter final matches.
In an unprecedented move, UEFA is proposing to abandon the return legs of the four quarter final matches due to be played next week, and take the results from the opening legs to decide the four semi finalists.
That would mean that Manchester United would lose out to Bayern Munich, who scored a late winner in the dying moments of injury time, and Arsenal’s heroic 2-2 draw against Barcelona last night would be annulled by the away goal rule.
Inter Milan would also be put through after they beat CSKA Moscow last night 1-0, and Lyon will make it to the semis after crushing Bordeaux 3-1 at home.
As it stands the semi final draw would see Bayern Munich vs Lyon, and Barcelona vs Inter.
Whilst no official announcement has been made from UEFA, last night top officials from the European governing body and FIFA were called into UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland for an emergency meeting to discuss the fixture list. A source close to one of the UEFA officials revealed that UEFA were considering the second leg cancellations in light of the mounting list of injuries on the pitch so close to the World Cup finals this summer.
With just 71 days to go until the kick off of the opening match in South Africa, 2 billion people are expected to follow the world’s premier sporting event. UEFA like everyone else want their top stars to be present at the World Cup to make it the international spectacle it should be.
With a catalogue of injuries to major international stars, most notably Wayne Rooney for England and Cesc Fabregas for Spain, the Champions League is claiming some of the game’s most entertaining individuals. UEFA’s decision to cut back the fixture list will dramatically reduce the chances of further injuries ahead of the summer tournament.
Such a move would spark public outrage, particularly from fans from the four losing sides who will not get a chance to see their teams redeem themselves in a second leg. However, UEFA is the presiding body and has the power to change the rules of competition as it sees fit.
An official statement from UEFA is believed to be announced later today at 12 noon (CET).
We will keep you up to date on the happenings as they develop. If you want to share your thoughts on the proceedings please leave a comment below.
UPDATE – April Fool’s Backfires
As most of you guessed this story was completely fabricated as part of the April Fool’s festivities. Who could have guessed that what started out as a joke would turn out to be a piece of startling clairvoyance?
As it turns out, both Manchester United and Arsenal really were knocked out and were unable to overcome their opponents, so the semi finals will be played as stated above. Palm readings now available upon request.
Oh, no. I thought I would see an amazing Arsenal come back. You guys are funny though. Nice try. Only fools will fall for that.
Happy Fools Day!
Can they really do this? What about all the revenue that will be lost through TV rights and for the home teams in the second leg?
This kinda stuff happens on April 1st.
Sepp Blatter has gone too far this time if this happens. It’s bad enough France weren’t banned from the World Cup but now he wants to save the European players from injury as well.
Barca should have had 5 or 6 goals last night, Arsenal would just save themselves a thrashing at the Nou Camp.
If this happens, which I doubt, Ferguson is going to explode. Hairdryer treatment all round.
I don’t believe this. Think what date it is.
Why doesn’t UEFA just decide the winners by coin toss… it would be much easier and no injuries at all…
I agree with you.
Think about it. It won’t be fair. Manchester United didn’t get a chance to go ahead at Old Trafford.
Come on guys, this is the most obvious April Fools of all time. I cannot believe anyone fell for it.
Sorry, but just can’t help myself. Is this a prank? They can eliminate Man. U!!! What fun is left then?
Guys. Chill. You know why this won’t happen. It never did and never will.
Gnews wishes you an April Fools Day.
This is the worst decision. If they were to do so they should have done this at the beginning of the competition.
Ferguson is going to murder them all right and I’ll stand and watch him all right. In fact I think those officials should have a taste of my fist too. Kill them all.
Doubt this very much.
April 1 perhaps.
… fools!
What a load of rubbish. No one person should have the right to make this sort of decision, and they should be made before the competition starts. This is a multi-million pound industry. It should not be run by an amateur like Blatter.
HAHAHAHAHHA
I love this.
you gise are really funny uefa oooyehh i remmberd u cant fool the ones dat no only dah one dat not know loooool