Fight for financial fair play – Europe’s football at a crossroads – UEFA, ECA and leagues under discussion – football

1. “The DFL supports measures to strengthen financial stability plus cost rationality as well as their strict implementation / sanctioning “.
2. “The DFL rejects proposals for the deregulation / liberalization of investor funds. “

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the DFL speaks there publicly of “difficult negotiations”. These are unusually clear words in sports policy that, from a German point of view, prove the seriousness of the situation. The problem: The corona crisis and also our own mismanagement in the time before the pandemic put many clubs in Europe in financial distress. Financial restrictions are currently not in demand there. In addition, many clubs abroad rely on investors.

That, in turn, is one of the reasons for the German position: in Germany, most clubs are membership-determined by the 50 + 1 rule and are therefore independent of investors. If, however, clubs run by investors are no longer restricted, that would be a major disadvantage for the Bundesliga.

Which position the UEFA represents

The concept of Financial Fairplay has always been considered misleading. The introduction was all about preventing many clubs from collapsing financially – not equal opportunities. That could only be achieved through a more even distribution of money in the European Cup, but such a measure is not in sight.

With a view to the new financial regulations expressed himself Football Association">UEFA-President Aleksander Ceferin not very hopeful that this could lead to a more exciting competition. “I don’t think we can completely close, or even narrow, the gap between big and small clubs. But we can at least let it grow a little slower.”Ceferin told the French news agency France Press">AFP.

Who shapes the negotiations

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the President of Paris, is likely to be a key figure Saint Germain. Since the debacle of twelve other clubs around the Super League he is chairman of the European Club Association ECA. He sits on the most powerful body of Football Association">UEFA, the Executive Committee. Al-Khelaifi is the head of the sports channel BeIN Sportswho regularly TV-Rights to the Football Association">UEFA acquires, and he faithfully stood by the side of the Football Association">UEFA and its president Ceferin when it was the attack of the Super League was to be fended off. Al-Khelaifi’s influence in the Football Association">UEFA so is great.

Clubs like Paris, but also Manchester City and Chelsea are run by investors who do not want to make a profit. Their only goal is prestige, and that is where spectacular transfers like that of Lionel Messi. Financial restrictions tend to be a hindrance and therefore undesirable. The proposal currently being discussed is an advantage for them.

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