Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger cares more about business than football, claims UEFA president Michel Platini.
Platini, in an interview with Le Dauphine Libere, also rejected calls by Wenger and other coaches for video replays to help referees.
“I am talking about football, he is talking about business. Please stop with Wenger and the others. All that interests Arsene is looking after number one,” Platini said.
Asked if video replays will one day be used, Platini added: “I’m looking forward to Arsene Wenger never seeing that happen”.
Former France playmaker Platini also said he was delighted with Romanian side CFR Cluj’s shock 2-1 Champions League win at Roma on their debut in the competition last week.
“That is what makes football beautiful. That is what people like Wenger do not want to see, minor teams beating major ones, because they only want their business,” he added.
Wenger told L’Equipe: “I’m surprised by the aggressive tone used by Platini.
“I am a supporter of good management of clubs, for financial equilibrium, and UEFA must equally support this idea. I am fighting for the future of the game and of football.
Wenger also defended his support for the use of video replays, saying it would make the game fairer.
“It is true I am in favour of video assistance to referees, just as all coaches are, and I think UEFA have an important role to play in that process. I defend sporting justice and UEFA should be responsible for that,” he added.
