Uefa sorry for Keegan criticism

Keegan's tactics were slammed in the 'unoffical' report

European football's governing body Uefa has apologised for a damning article criticising Kevin Keegan's tactics which appeared on its Euro 2000 website.

Uefa spokesman Graham Turner told BBC Radio Five Live that a part-time employee had published the story in error and Uefa were "embarrassed" about the mix-up.

The scathing report, written by an English journalist, claimed that Keegan did not know his best team and criticised his tactics and formation.

It went on to accuse Keegan of falsely raising the hopes of England fans by claiming they could win the tournament.

It shouldn't have happened. It was a source of embarrassment that appeared on our own website and we deeply apologise

Uefa spokesman Graham Turner

Mr Turner said the article was written by an independent journalist and did not represent Uefa's views.

He said: "It shouldn't have happened. It was a source of embarrassment that it appeared on our own website and we deeply apologise."

Uefa spokesman Thomas Giordano added: "This is not a Uefa statement. It has been written by an independent journalist and it has nothing to do with Uefa.

"It's not our role to criticise coaches or teams and this does not represent Uefa's views.

"The website wanted to give journalists from different countries the opportunity to express their different views on the various teams.

"But perhaps we should have made it more clear that this was not an official Uefa statement.

"We will add something to the website to make sure people know this has not come from us."

Uefa have now put a disclaimer on the article.

England were knocked out in the group stage, after only one win, over Germany, and two defeats, at the hands of Portugal and Romania.