Uefa president Lennart Johansson has denied singling out Chelsea for criticism following comments he made about the nature of club ownership.
However, Johansson has now reassured Chelsea’s chief executive Peter Kenyon that he that his observations were of a general nature.
“I’m saddened if my remarks are used against any individual club because it’s not for me to comment on any club compared to another,” said Johansson.
“As we look across the European football scene it’s clear that there are many issues and challenges that have to be faced.
“I have highlighted two of these (player behaviour and club ownership) which are matters for the whole of the game to consider but I do not regard this as a matter for one club or one individual.
“I do have concerns about the future direction of club ownership but we have to be realistic about the realities of the market.
“The important thing is to ensure good corporate governance and financial transparency. These should be the aims of every professional football club.”
Johansson also distanced himself from remarks that Chelsea are ‘sure’ to face action after their UEFA Champions League encounter with Barcelona.
“On the crucial issue of behaviour in the game I do think there were issues at the recent Barcelona versus Chelsea match which will need to be looked at by the Uefa disciplinary bodies in relation to both clubs,” Johansson added.
“It’s a matter for the Uefa disciplinary process, not for me personally. It’s not my intention to single out any individual.”
