The Labour MEP, who also wants the trophy awarded to Leeds if evidence is discovered that shows the match was fixed, is hoping the amount of signatures will pressure UEFA into launching an inquiry.
He said: "The sheer amount of people who signed the petition not only shows the sense of injustice that still exists about the match itself but also proved how seriously people take the issue of match fixing in football. UEFA's last excuse not to investigate the game, because it took place too long ago, is simply not good enough. It sends out an entirely unacceptable message - that if you can keep a case of bribery or match fixing hidden long enough then you will get away with it.
"12,200 people, not just from Leeds but from across Europe and the world, have had their say and it's now up to UEFA to show their commitment to fairplay and their determination to eradicate bribery, by taking action."
Richard will be pressing the case for an investigation into the Leeds-Milan match when he visits UEFA headquarters later in the year.
Since the petition began there has been a real desire to see the whole match in full again but so far searches for a copy of the entire game have proved fruitless.
In an appeal to Leeds fans, Richard said: "A lot of people want to see the match again, or even for a first time, but we have so far had no luck locating a copy of the match. If anyone does have a copy of the entire match please get in contact with myself or the club."
- Leeds lost the 1973 Cup Winners' Cup final to Milan 1-0 in Salonika. Referee Christos Michas was suspended shortly afterwards but UEFA refused to replay the match.
- A small amount of footage of the game is available on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFt3yCB8Q3s
more information
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