Concern over 'negative trends'

UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner has reminded "coaches, fans and players" of their responsibilities to help arrest the "negative trends" witnessed in this season's UEFA Champions League.

Causes for concern
Reflecting on the good and the bad of the tournament so far prior to today's quarter-final draw at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Mr Aigner cited racist abuse, the fielding of weakened teams and unsporting conduct on the field as causes for concern.

'Great nights'
However, he was also delighted to have seen "some great nights of European football" already in the competition. "I would like to pay tribute to the 24 clubs who are not present today and express our thanks to everyone who has helped make this season's competition so exciting," he said. "We have again seen some great nights of European football.

TV audience rises
"The weekly TV audience is up by three million compared to last season, and by an increased number of supporters in the stadium with over five-and-a-half million fans watching the games in the first and second group stages. This is great news but we should remind ourselves that sadly we have also seen some negative trends.

Best example wanted
"More incidents of racist abuse, the fielding of weakened teams, especially in the second group stage, and examples on the field of unsporting conduct. I take this moment to reflect that everyone involved - including clubs, coaches, fans and players - must do everything possible to minimise these things to set the best possible example in the best club competition in the world."

Hope for final stages
Mr Aigner concluded by saying: "I hope we will ensure that these final rounds will be memorable for all the right reasons - fantastic football, full stadia and sporting behaviour both on and off the field and perhaps also some great goals."