UEFA go cool over ref row

UEFA today moved to build bridges with Chelsea by distancing themselves from the referee at the centre of the bust-up with Jose Mourinho.

The Chelsea head coach has been branded an "enemy of football" by referees' chief Volker Roth but UEFA today insisted he was speaking as a private individual, not on their behalf.

William Gaillard, UEFA's director of communications, said: "Roth has our full support and respect but he's not an employee of UEFA. He was reacting as a private person, as a referee. UEFA have never said Jose Mourinho is an enemy of football.

"We are looking into the problem of respect for referees as a whole. There is nothing in our statement about Chelsea or Mourinho. We hope that the polemics end and we are keeping communications open with Chelsea."

UEFA's conciliatory stance comes as Roth warned that football could face a referees recruitment crisis if they are not shown more respect.

The German, who launched a fierce attack on Mourinho over the Anders Frisk affair, said young referees were already turning away from the game.

Significantly, Roth also dismissed a chance to tone down his comments about the Chelsea head coach, whose criticism of Frisk led to the Swedish official resigning after receiving death threats from fans.

Roth told Standard Sport: "The problem is that at grass-roots level fewer people want to become referees because they are discriminated against. Who is going to do that if you are going to get abused?"

Chelsea were furious at Roth's attack on Mourinho, who has threatened to sue the German.

But Roth said: "I am looking forward to that. Referees should not have to live with death threats. It's about more respect, respect, respect. It can't be just all about money. If you only see the money, you are going to destroy the game."

UEFA are clearly determined to use the shock retirement of Frisk to help bring about a change in attitude from players and managers.