In the run-up to the long-awaited UEFA Champions League final between Inter and Paris Saint-Germain, a heated controversy is shaking the world of European football. UEFA has officially announced that only 8,000 Inter fans will be allowed to attend the match at the stadium, a number that appears scandalously lower than the quota assigned to PSG fans , estimated at around 20,000 . The news has sparked anger among Nerazzurri supporters and led Inter president Giuseppe Marotta to issue harsh statements against the European football body.
A treatment that divides
According to Italian and international media, UEFA justified the decision based on safety and logistical criteria. However, many observers point out that the imbalance between the number of tickets reserved for the fans of the two teams has no plausible sporting or organizational justification . The final, which will be played in a stadium with a capacity of over 75,000 seats , could have hosted a much more equal representation of both sets of fans.
Marotta is not having it
Interviewed shortly after the announcement, Giuseppe Marotta did not mince his words:
“This is not football, it’s a mockery. UEFA is treating our fans like second-class citizens. If they think they can let us play away, they are very wrong. This is disrespectful not only for Inter, but for all of Italian football.”
His words immediately went viral on the web, sparking a real storm. Hashtags like #UefaVergogna and #GiustiziaPerInter went viral on social media, with thousands of Italian and international fans expressing outrage over the unequal treatment.
Protests coming?
According to sources close to the Nerazzurri ultras, peaceful demonstrations are already being prepared in front of the UEFA headquarters and the French embassy in Milan. Some groups are also considering boycotting the official sponsors of the competition , accusing them of not intervening in the face of what is being defined as “institutional abuse” .
Silence from UEFA
Meanwhile, UEFA has not released any further comments, maintaining a silence that many interpret as arrogance or lack of transparency . Even Paris Saint-Germain, despite benefiting from the situation, has not yet expressed any official position on the matter.
The controversial precedent
This is not the first time that UEFA has been accused of favoring certain clubs or federations. In recent years, there have been several criticisms of the European body for decisions considered “rigged” or “unbalanced”. However, the scale of this controversy – on the eve of a Champions League final – could have far more serious consequences , even in terms of reputation for the entire competition.
Waiting for the final
As anticipation grows for one of the most important matches of the year, the shadow of controversy continues to loom over the show. The Nerazzurri fans feel betrayed , and the team – which would need maximum support – will find itself playing in a stadium potentially dominated by the French .
The ball is now in UEFA’s court: will they decide to review the distribution of tickets or will they continue on, ignoring the protests? What is certain is that the final will be heated, not only on the pitch, but also in the stands .