Mysteries, Legends and Conspiracy Theories, Part Eight

1- Germany wearing Green for its alternate uniform

It has been repeated in many outlets that the reason (West) Germany has been using a Green Jerseys, as its alternate uniform, is as an homage to the Republic of Ireland who were the first team to play Germany after World War II.

There is no clear evidence asto that being the case, but in any case it was Switzerland, who were the first team to play West Germany following World War II.  The match was a friendly in Stuttgart on Novemebr 22, 1950 (1-0 win).

The Germans met the Irish for their fifth match following the War in a Friendly in Dublin on October 17, 1951 (3-2 Irish win).

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 28, May 1991

(Rudi Voeller and Paul Gascoigne, July 4, 1990, World Cup, West Germany 1-England 1)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 23, February 1982

(Paul Breitner, May 24, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Finland 0-West Germany 4)

2- Ronaldo not signing at Flamengo as a youth

It has been said that Ronaldo was a big Flamengo fan and wanted to join the squad’s youth set up.

It has been reported that Flamengo turned him down because they did not want to pay for his bus fare that he would have needed.

It is unclear if this is the actual motive or they may have been other factors involved.

Photo From: Onze-Mondial, Issue 69, October 1994

(Ronaldo at Cruzeiro)

3- Seth Johnson transfer to Leeds United, 2001

English player Seth Johnson’s transfer from Derby County to Leeds United in 2001 has been the subject of an urban legend for some time.

According to the story, Johnson and his agent had agreed upon a certain wage demand before going to the meeting with Leeds President Peter Ridsale.

Once there, Ridsdale made an offer that was substantially more than they could have hoped for. When they expressed their disbelief, Ridsdale mistakenly felt they were still haggling and offered an even higher wage,

All parties have denied this version of the events. Many believe this was a fabricated story aimed to highlight Peter Ridsdale’s extravagant expenditures that eventually led Leeds to the lower Divisions on the brink of bankruptcy.

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 28, March 2000

(Seth Johnson at Derby County)

4- Claudio Coutinho, 1978 World Cup

There has been rumors that during the 1978 World Cup, following Brazil’s second match vs, Spain (0-0), Brazil Manager Claudio Coutinho was stripped of his powers.

A meeting was held at Brazil Team’s headquarters that night and Admiral Heleno Nunes (Head of Brazil Sports Authority) was now calling the shots.

The observers pointed out to the replacement of Reinaldo by Roberto Dinamite in the squad as evidece as Roberto was thought to be a Nunes choice.

According to others, it was a Selection committee (including Coutinho and Nunes) that were making the decisions.

Some have suggested that initially Coutinho had offered to resign but his request was refused.
In the ensuing matches Coutinho still sat on the bench but was clearly not the main decision taker.

Coutinho himself denied this but rumors still persisted through the decades.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 1680, June 20, 1978

(Claudio Coutinho) 

5- Ruud Gullit dropping out of Holland’s 1994 World Cup squad

Dutch star who had recently made a comeback for the National Team and was eager to participate in the 1994 World Cup, abruptly withdrew himself from the squad on May 30, 1994.

He did not specify reasons but that he would give explanations at a later date.

It was thought that he opposed Manager Dick Advocaat's attacking tactical approach that Gullit felt would not work humid conditions in Florida.

The real motives are still somewhat unclear.

Johnny Bosman was called up as his replacement.

Photo From: World Soccer, July 1994

(Dick Advocaat and Ruud Gullit in the press conference announcing Gullit’s withdrawal)