Slovakia PM: our team underwent conspiracy like Algeria in World Cup 1982

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico described the exclusion of his country’s team from the European Under-21 Championship as the 1982 conspiracy against Algeria.

Fico called on Uefa to investigate circumstances of Slovakia’s exit as Italy defeated Germany on Saturday. The two teams qualified to semi-finals. Italy topped Group C and Germany came as the best team with second position in the three groups.

“The resulting situation reminded me of ancient football history, when at the 1982 World Cup Germany and Austria played out a similarly unworthy spectacle in front of the fans of this beautiful game at the expense of humble Algeria,” Reuters quote him.

In World Cup 1982, Germany underwent a surprise defeat (1-2) against Algeria in its opening match. Yet, it beat Austria (1-0) and Algeria was excluded. 

Germany and Italy’s officials rejected Fico’s comments which were similar to Solavakia coach’s remarks.

Fico wrote to  UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, saying “Slovak football talents did everything with regard to sporting performance to win advancement to the next phase of the tournament. What they were not prepared for, though, was the farce performed by players from countries advanced in football — Italy and Germany.”

The German football federation’s sporting director Horst Hrubesch, who played and scored in the 1982 match, denied the allegations, saying “I think it’s perfectly normal to play cautiously in the last few minutes.”