In a fiery outburst following Atlético de Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League, Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, launched an extraordinary attack on European football’s governing body, claiming the draw and officiating were manipulated to block Atlético from reaching the final.
“When I saw the draw, I thought we had been matched with Arsenal, but I was wrong—we were matched with UEFA,” Almeida said in an interview with Carrusel Deportivo.
The mayor did not hold back, alleging a premeditated campaign against the Rojiblancos. “UEFA has made it clear that they do not want Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League final. There were specific plays that reflected a predetermined intent to harm Atlético,” he stated.
Almeida praised the team’s effort under what he described as impossible circumstances. “Atlético fans are proud of the team because they weren’t just competing against Arsenal; they were competing against UEFA.”
He drew a sharp distinction between the two opponents Atlético faced. “You can beat Arsenal over 180 minutes, but you cannot beat UEFA. UEFA put its entire machinery in place to ensure Atlético would not progress, and the referee was the executor of that will.”
Concluding his remarks, the mayor struck a tone of resigned frustration. “It was intentional. We couldn’t beat UEFA—it was simply impossible.”
UEFA has not yet issued a response to Almeida’s allegations. Atlético de Madrid declined to comment on the mayor’s statements.
