PSG retains UEFA Champions League title as Vipers owner threatens legal action against FUFA

31 May 2026, 10:52 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The UEFA Champions League final, held yesterday in Budapest, Hungary, ended Arsenal’s hopes of adding European glory to their Premier League title after losing to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a penalty shoot-out.

Arsenal fans in Kampala, Uganda, expressed disappointment with the result but praised the team’s performance throughout the tournament. Many remained optimistic that the club could go all the way next season.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta described the defeat as painful.

“Pain. It is very tough to accept when you have been so consistent all the way to the final and then lose the trophy on penalties,” he said.

Arteta also questioned a refereeing decision involving Noni Madueke, insisting Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty.

“I watched all the penalties awarded in this competition over the last 72 hours to understand what is and what is not a penalty. In my view, that incident could easily have been given as a penalty,” he said.

During normal time, Kai Havertz gave Arsenal the lead in the sixth minute before Ousmane Dembele equalized for PSG in the second half.

The match remained level after extra time, forcing a penalty shoot-out. Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze and Gabriel missed their spot-kicks, while goalkeeper David Raya managed to save one penalty from Nuno Mendes. However, PSG still secured a 4-3 shoot-out victory to retain the title.

PSG head coach Luis Enrique congratulated both the players and supporters for the achievement.

The final was attended by several football legends, including Thierry Henry and Luis Figo.

Meanwhile, Vipers SC president Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa has threatened legal action against the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), accusing the federation of recruiting the club’s contracted coaches without formal communication.

Speaking during the club’s Annual General Meeting, Mulindwa said the practice was affecting the club’s preparations for major competitions.

“We were preparing for the CAF Champions League and the Kagame Cup, but they took our coach without informing us. The same thing happened with the late Fred Kajjoba. We do not want conflict, but we shall take you on if this continues. It must stop,” he said.

Fred Muhumuza, who was serving as one of Vipers’ coaches, was recently appointed to the Uganda national team technical setup by FUFA.

In other football news, SC Villa lost to Kitara FC in the Uganda Cup final played at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.