A press conference was scheduled at ITAR-TASS for 15 hours 15 minutes. Such a “concrete” time was chosen, apparently, to emphasize how dense and saturated the work program of the UEFA head.
The head of the main football organ of the continent looked like a kind grandfather, whom loving grandchildren would hardly advise flying so far. But he would explain to his grandchildren why he likes to come to Russia:
- Once, in the 60s, my team lost to Spartak Moscow - 1: 2. Since then, I have been pleased to travel to this city.
That victory costs a lot of red and white. And not just them.
Johansson made a small speech, talking about the main problems of European football. There were a lot of them. And it is not clear how UEFA still lives and even thrives.
- We must deal with match-fixing, the unstable financial situation in teams, dishonest agents, as well as racism and terrorism.
The Swede was clearly not mistaken with the address at which he decided to discuss these issues. And for us they are topical, if not basic.
In conclusion, the UEFA president said that, it turns out, he knows about the football development program that Vitaly Mutko is working with. And he even promised that when the head of the RFU fulfills it, he will call him to Nyon to present the results.
Mutko nodded twice. Like, he’ll come and present, no problem.
From Johansson, it was a delicate transition to the main goal of his visit. Indeed, the President of UEFA will only be able to hear about the execution of the Mutko program, designed until 2012, provided that he retains this post for another term. The arguments in favor of re-election are traditional: he has been working for UEFA for 17 years and knows the topic thoroughly. And so that no one doubts his knowledge, he will transfer to each of the European federations another 600 thousand Swiss francs.
Mutko nodded once more. Presumably, confirming that he knows such methods of election campaigning and has the right to life.
Johansson was immediately asked how he felt about the fact that Michel Platini was also running for his post. The answer showed that the war for the chair is already in full swing.
- Michel Platini is my good friend. And he was a great football player. I have nothing more to say.
The Nyon guest once again attracted Mutko to his side, hinting that there are forces in UEFA (obviously from those who want to be elected instead of the Swedes) who are going to delegate European teams to the World Cup not by results of qualifying matches, but by rating.
The RFU President flinched. So Russia will never see world tournaments! So, the choice is obvious: you need to support Johansson.
“You gave Russia to hold the Champions League final,” they asked a question from the audience. - And will you support the country if it wants to host the European Championship?
Vitaly Mutko could not stand it and grunted:
- First we need to draw stadiums not on paper, but build at least five! he exclaimed.
“But Vyacheslav Fetisov said that hundreds of stadiums are being built in your country,” Johansson was surprised. - And we will support your application.
- Yes? - the president of the RFU was amazed. “Have you seen the papers?”
Lennart Johansson, of course, did not see the papers. But do not discuss the same details now. Then, then. After the election.
Alexey Shevchenko