Spanish Media Raise Suspicions of Fixed Champions League Semi-Final Draw Involving Ian Rush
Ian Rush's role in Friday's Champions League semi-final draw has caused a stir with Spanish newspapers.
The paper has raised concerns over the legitimacy of the draws, and claimed the former Liverpool striker and ambassador for the final even knew which ball was Atletico Madrid's after first picking Real Madrid.
The two ties, Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid, and Monaco vs Juventus are played in the first week of May. However, there is a concern (at least with the Spanish outlet) that a 'warm' ball could have been used to decide the draw.
The report, which offered no proof or motive, described Rush's role in the draw as questionable, as the Liverpool legend drew Real Madrid as the first ball in the draw.
AS newspaper explained: "Ian Rush shook all the balls in the drum. So far, all normal.
"In the next ball came the mystery as the Welsh went directly to the Atleti without barely moving the other balls."
The conspiracy theory within the comments section of the report suggest UEFA wanted to avoid another all Spanish final and a repeat of the final in both 2014 and 2016, when the two Spanish sides met.
It ensures a French or Italian representative will be in the final alongside either Spanish side. However, it would not be the first (and likely not the last) time the governing body has been accused of interfering with the draw.