European Union Discusses Football Reforms with Leading Clubs

(WFI) Members of the European Club Association, the body representing 144 of Europe’s leading teams, held talks with Members of the European Parliament about the implications of the Lisbon Treaty upon the game.

The recent adoption of the treaty grants the European Union powers in the area of sport, and it is understood to be considering exemptions in its labor law that could allow UEFA to impose restrictions on foreign players and allow a salary cap.

The agenda at the round-table talks included governance, youth development, financial stability, agents and the proposed 6+5 rule.

ECA chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who was present with the organization’s general secretary Michele Centenaro, described the talks an “extremely worthwhile exercise”.

“It allowed for the ECA to develop and strengthen relationships with politicians who will be key in developing the EU’s sport policy and to have an open and frank discussion on the numerous issues that football is faced with,” said Rummenigge.

“I welcome the European Parliament’s openness in listening to the ECA and look forward to continued discussions with MEPs in the coming years.”

Also present was Ivo Belet, the Belgian MEP, who has long campaigned for reform in European football.

“The exchange of views today with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is a perfect example of how we want to work in the future: collaborate in order to find concrete solutions for a sports sector that is so important for so many people in our society,” said Belet.

Belet drafted a 2007 EU resolution on “The Future of Professional Football”, which called on UEFA to improve self-regulation.

Its recommendations covered areas close to UEFA president Michel Platini’s heart, including financial fair play, minimum numbers of “home grown” players, regulation of agents and further measures to protect very young players.

Written by James Corbett (james@worldfootballinsider.com)
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