Monday's announcement by UEFA was the start of an independent investigation into Saturday's Champions League final at Stade de France. This incident is at the center of a political controversy.

After merely mentioning that there were "thousands" of counterfeit tickets blocking the turnstiles at the Champions League final, the European body issued a press release stating "an independent investigation".

UEFA has promised to "examine all the decisions, responsibilities, and behavior of the parties involved in the final." Tiago Rodrigues, former Portuguese Minister for Sports, was appointed as the independent investigator.

The scenes of chaos surrounding the stadium spread around the globe on Saturday night. Jostling, attempted intrusions by individuals without tickets and supporters - including kids - were treated brutally or victims of theft at the Stade de France. This was according to the Sky News channel's British deputy Ian Byrne who was present at the scene.

The criticisms have severely tarnished France's image as a host nation two years after the 2024 Olympics in Paris. On Monday, Gerald Darmanin (French Minister of Interior) spoke out about a "massive industrial and organized fraud of fake tickets" that was "across the Channel".

He expressed his regret for spectators who could not attend the match, and said that he was sorry for those who were forced to leave. However, he also acknowledged that there would have been more deaths if the police and prefect Didier Lellement had not made the necessary decisions.

The British government, however, has called for UEFA to work closely with French authorities to conduct an investigation and publish its findings.