Javier Tebas said that conflicts of interest will present an obstacle to UEFA acting.GETTY IMAGES
La Liga President Javier Tebas claimed UEFA "may be reluctant to take action" against Man City and Paris St. Germain for "allegedly flouting Financial Fair Play rules" because of a "conflict of interest," according to James Ducker of the London TELEGRAPH. Tebas "expressed doubts" over whether Man City or PSG will face sanctions because of a "tangled web of financial relationships" between the clubs and UEFA. Tebas' claims came as Der Spiegel published more allegations from the Football Leaks whistleblowers about Man City on Wednesday, including allegations the club's hierarchy "ignored warnings from staff about striking a sponsorship deal with a construction company accused of mistreating migrant workers." UEFA has yet to comment publicly, but Tebas, despite claiming "everything is crystal clear now" in relation to the alleged "dirty tricks" of Man City and PSG, fears the European governing body's links with broadcaster beIN Sport, which has committed billions of pounds to televise Champions League matches and other competitions, "present an obstacle" to UEFA acting. Tebas said, "There's a conflict of interest." Man City and PSG have not commented on his remarks. Tebas -- who wrote to UEFA more than a year ago to demand action against the clubs -- "echoed comments" from a La Liga spokesperson on Tuesday by confirming he would lodge a complaint with the European Union competition authorities if UEFA does not take action (TELEGRAPH, 11/7).
'SAVED THE SYSTEM': In London, Martyn Ziegler reported FIFA President Gianni Infantino "defended his role" in Man City's financial fair play settlement. Leaked emails published by Der Spiegel revealed that, in his previous job at UEFA, Infantino did a secret deal over FFP sanctions with Man City's Abu Dhabi owners and PSG's Qatari owners. Both clubs escaped with €20M fines and avoided a Champions League ban. Infantino said that part of his role as UEFA's general secretary was to agree to settlements with clubs. He said, "We were doing our job and saved the system and we saved European club football. We worked with the information we had at the time. If new information has come out, I'm sure UEFA will look at it" (LONDON TIMES, 11/7).
