"So smooth! How can this be?"
After the meeting ended, Martivonni’s assistant was still in disbelief.
He had never seen such unanimity within the Italian Football Association.
Even though... this was a great opportunity to clear Italy’s name, even if those setting up obstacles would be scorned, surely there should be a few abstentions, right?
Especially Martivonni’s competitors, they definitely shouldn’t have all voted in favor.
It’s not a matter of right or wrong, but whether it’s possible.
They can’t!
Because the phrase unanimous decision holds special meaning in any multi-faction group.
This means that this time the leader has conquered everyone!
He has received total support!
He no longer has... competitors!
At least, that’s the message conveyed by this meeting.
This will elevate Martivonni’s prestige to unprecedented heights.
At the same time, it will drastically reduce the external public opinion and support for his competitors.
This is tantamount to cutting off one’s own arm.
Why?
The opposition hasn’t given up on competing with Martivonni.
In fact, the third force within the Italian Football Association is rising, attempting to make a big move, launching a counterattack against the first and second groups within the Italian Football Association when they fail in the European Cup playoffs.
Given all this, how could there be a unanimous approval?
However, Martivonni was not surprised by this.
He figured it out last night.
This is also an important reason he was willing to take the risk.
Because the blueprint drawn by Lu for him seemed like a revival of Italy’s football glory but at the same time... it cleared the clouds ahead of Martivonni, letting him see a new peak.
"I’m stepping up this time to confront UEFA, so they’re naturally happy to push me out," Martivonni explained.
No matter the outcome, the consequences of offending UEFA are severe.
FIFA and UEFA, these two "non-profit" entities are like rulers over football.
The quotes naturally imply sarcasm.
No football association of any country can go head-to-head with them because they are subordinate, although there are exceptions like the National Team.
Even with the powerful VAR, what Martivonni might achieve is simply UEFA’s concession this time.
But conversely, UEFA has countless opportunities to make things difficult for Martivonni.
The simplest and most immediate would be in the upcoming European Cup playoffs, sending a more astute main referee to be troublesome.
There are too many such opportunities.
Additionally, UEFA has a huge influence on the Italian Football Association’s change of leadership, as long as they don’t like Martivonni, he will find it very difficult to be re-elected unless he defies the odds.
This is why Martivonni’s opponents are willing to let him be the pioneer leader this time.
Because once this leader takes the lead, downfall won’t be far.
"Ah! Then you..." The assistant was terrified. Did they fall into a trap this time?
Martivonni smiled slightly, not saying more.
If even with the powerful VAR, he can’t achieve re-election, then he can truly retire.
Too weak!
Simultaneously... his sights are no longer set on the position of the Italian Football Association’s chairman.
From yesterday’s conversation with Lu, Martivonni vaguely had that feeling.
Now, as he begins to push the plan, he gradually grasps that faint premonition.
It may not be apparent yet.
VAR seems more like a trump card for the Italian Football Association to threaten UEFA, and once revealed, it can never be closed again, like Pandora’s box.
But as VAR adapts to the football world, if this technology brings a groundbreaking impact to football.
Then the proposer, Mr. Martivonni, with his prestige in World Football and honors in the Italian Football Association, might... become a strong candidate for the next next UEFA president!
Isn’t it bizarre?
No one would dare to believe it if you said it!
A Martivonni, still fighting for the position of the Italian Football Association chairman and even at risk of being dismissed a year ago, has already secured an entry ticket for the next next UEFA president election!
Don’t think the chance is slim.
If someone as insignificant as Feicheling, who doesn’t even have an entry on Wikipedia, can become UEFA president, why can’t Martivonni?
Once the opportunity arises, you can’t help but soar.
Martivonni could clearly feel someone pushing him from behind, urging him to reach for peaks he never dared dream of before.
And that person is... Lu!
...
"Such an appeal is meaningless; besides wasting the precious time of UEFA officials and investigation team members, it cannot change any outcome."
"Of course, there will be a penalty for wasting others’ time. San Remo’s second appeal outcome will be far worse than the first. I hope they learn from this and don’t make the same mistake a third time!"
"Additionally, given San Remo’s performance, they are now under the key focus area of the UEFA Refereeing Committee."
"We will treat San Remo’s future European Competition matches with the highest standards to ensure there are no further disputes!"
This was what Mr. Nariko, head of the UEFA Refereeing Committee, said to the media.
As the "referee king" of All Europe, he is second to none.
His words, apart from being a bit quicker, are no different from UEFA directly announcing the result of San Remo’s second appeal.