Upset UEFA pulls up Fergie for remarks about draw-rigging

‘‘According to UEFA disciplinary regulations, member associations, as well as their players, officials and members, should conduct themselves according to the principle of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship,’’ UEFA said.

Ferguson’s case will be dealt with by UEFA’s control and disciplinary body on May 1 and a fine is the most likely outcome. Ferguson was quoted as saying in Sunday newspaper reports: ‘‘It was a nice draw for the Spanish and Italians — I think they picked it themselves. The three Italian teams have avoided each other and so have the three Spanish. How do you think that worked out?

‘‘I can tell you — UEFA don’t want us in the final, that’s for sure. I don’t know why they have given the final to Old Trafford because they don’t want us to get there.’’

The draw avoided any all-Spanish or all-Italian clashes, pitching Barcelona against Juventus, Valencia against Inter Milan and AC Milan against Ajax Amsterdam.

Ferguson apologised for his comments at a news conference in Madrid on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s first leg against Real. ‘‘I’m assured by UEFA that the draw was fair,’’ the United boss told reporters. ‘‘I was wrong to say what I said.’’

In the same Sunday newspaper reports, Ferguson accused FIFA, world soccer’s ruling body, of bowing to Real’s standing in the game by being soft on their left-back Roberto Carlos after the Brazilian was red-carded last week againt Portugal.

‘‘I think the fact that Roberto Carlos hasn’t been dealt with shows everyone the power Real Madrid have,’’ said Ferguson. ‘‘FIFA won’t make a decision because they are waiting to see what Real say first. That shows the influence they have.’’

The Brazilian was given a provisional ban from international, but not club, football by FIFA on Monday.