UEFA Executives ‘to fume as major error’ made in Tottenham victory v Man Utd
Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0 to win the UEFA Europa League, but the occasion was not without controversy.
Ange Postecoglou turned around a dreadful campaign by lifting Spurs’ first piece of silverware for 17 years at the Estadio de San Mamés on Wednesday (21 May).
Brennan Johnson scored the winning goal in the 42nd minute of the contest, and Tottenham were able to hold on to the lead to spark scenes of joy among their supporters.
However, one moment threatened to ruin what was otherwise an incredible occasion for Tottenham.
Tottenham players made to wait for their medals
What should have been a momentous night for all involved with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium outfit ended in farcical scenes.
Son Heung-min lifted the Europa League without a winner’s medal after UEFA did not ensure that there was enough available.
The issue was later resolved, and more medals were brought to the dressing room, with UEFA issuing an apology to Tottenham. However, ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett believes this marred the occasion for the players.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Hackett said, “Frankly, you could not make it up, and UEFA Executives will be fuming that someone in their organisation committed a rare error of this magnitude.
“The teams have to declare the members of their squad taking part in the competition before a ball is kicked. To believe that not every injured player would be in attendance is a lame excuse.
“What a disappointment for the players who did not receive their medal on the night.”
UEFA incompetence strikes again after Tottenham scenes
Once again, UEFA have proven that they are not fit for purpose after several mistakes in recent years, with supporters paying the price.
The most high-profile error was handing the UEFA Champions League final in 2022 to Paris, with the city underprepared, which put Liverpool fans in severe danger.
| Trophy | Year won |
| Europa League | 2025 |
| League Cup | 2008 |
| League Cup | 1999 |
| FA Cup | 1991 |
| UEFA Cup (now Europa League) | 1984 |
The organisation issued an official statement to apologise to Spurs and confirmed that the players eventually got their medals, but it is a shambles that something like this happened in the first place.
Luckily for Spurs supporters, it will probably be forgotten as a footnote in history, and they will just remember the night when they lifted a trophy for the first time in what seemed like forever. However, it is not good enough once again from UEFA.