MEP Asks For Inquiry On 1973 Cup Winners' Cup Final

Last updated : 10 August 2006 By Kevin Markey
Richard Corbett said recent corruption in Italian football had prompted him as the referee in the game was banned for life but Milan were still allowed to keep the cup after 'winning' 1-0.

The victory was soured by allegations of match fixing against the referee who was sent to prison for match fixing.

Leeds attempted to gain a replay after the Court Case in Greece, however they were denied by UEFA.

"Uefa must investigate games like these and if Milan are discovered to have fixed the match, then Leeds should be awarded the trophy," Corbett said.

His letter to Lars-Christer Olsson, Uefa's Chief Executive, expresses concern over the decision to admit AC Milan to the 2006/7 Champions League competition, despite the club being found guilty of attempting to influence domestic fixtures improperly.

His letter went on: "Uefa should investigate not just the recent period but past events in which match fixing may have played a role, even as far back as AC Milan's win over Leeds United in the 1973 Cup Winners' Cup Final.

"Such action would visibly and dramatically demonstrate Uefa's commitment to fair play and to taking breaches of it seriously.

"Failure to take visible action that demonstrates clearly to clubs, fans and the wider public that cheating will not succeed will leave football vulnerable to a slow corrosion of confidence in the game that will undermine its future."