On the heels of broadcast issues in The Ashes and controversy reigning at the finish of Formula 1's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, UEFA has had its own embarrassing bungle by mistakenly placing Manchester United's name into the wrong pot of the Champions League draw.
The initial results had created a heavily anticipated match-up between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi after Manchester United was paired with Paris Saint-Germain.
However, United had initially been paired with Villarreal even though the English club's name should not have been in that pot since the two advanced from the same group.
UEFA blamed the mishap on "a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other."
"As a result of this, the draw has been declared void," UEFA said in a statement published 90 minutes after the draw was done.
After United's name was initially pulled out, Manchester City was then drawn to play Villarreal instead.
United's name was then not put in the pot as a potential opponent for Atlético Madrid in the subsequent pairing, which saw Bayern Munich picked out.
When the draw was redone United actually drew Atlético, while PSG were paired with a side very familiar with Messi in Real Madrid in what might be the toughest match up of the round of 16.
Other Premier League giants Manchester City drew Sporting Clube de Portugal, Chelsea drew French side Lille and Liverpool drew Internazionale.
Full Champions League round of 16 draw
- Salzburg v Bayern Munich
- Sporting CP v Manchester City
- Benfica v Ajax
- Chelsea v LOSC
- Atlético Madrid v Manchester United
- Villarreal v Juventus
- Internazionale v Liverpool
- Paris Saint Germain v Real Madrid
AP/ABC
