Ceferin to EU sports leadership: "Sport is more than money"
UEFA President resented himself to the Council of European Union Sports Ministers in Brussels, and boldly stressed to the representatives of the 27 EU member states the need for concrete actions in defending the European sporting model.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, on Wednesday (26/11) presented himself to the Council of European Union Sports Ministers in Brussels, and boldly stressed to the representatives of the 27 EU member states the need for concrete actions in defending the European sporting model, urging the development of a European policy for its legal protection.
“For 70 years, the European sporting model has been built on the principles of open competition, promotion and relegation based on sporting value, economic solidarity and recognition of the social impact of sport. These principles have guided UEFA since its foundation,” Aleksander Čeferin initially stated.
“EU sports ministers indicated their strong political support for the model in a joint statement in February this year, and this week held a discussion on providing additional political support, with the issue being one of the key priorities of the new 2024-2029 mandate of the European Commission,” UEFA said.
The UEFA president was invited to address the council by the current EU Presidency, Hungary, and during his speech, he encouraged ministers and the European Commission to take concrete action to implement the 2021 Council resolution to protect the model “from those who seek to destroy it for their own power and selfish gain.”
Mr. Čeferin highlighted:
“It is a model that promotes the health of our citizens, builds facilities for our children and nurtures the hopes and dreams of fans, athletes and clubs, whether big or small, whether they win, lose or simply enjoy their participation. I am proud that UEFA and European football are an example of this model. But we could not do it alone. Governments play a vital role in this effort, ensuring that children have the opportunity to play, that communities benefit from sports facilities and that the values of inclusion and participation are embraced by the whole of society.
Sport is more than “money and markets”
Sport is much more than “money” and “markets”. Sport is not an asset to be sold at auction. Football is not a “product”. Ask any fan and they will tell you!”, he continued.
On how all stakeholders should work together to protect European football, he said: “Whenever we try to strengthen this model of solidarity, we are exposed to threats and pressure from entities that want more for themselves and want to share less with others. Remember the outcry when a selfish secessionist plan put the European sporting model in football at risk?
In some sports, it has already happened, but we cannot and will not let it happen in European football. Let us therefore work together to create concrete legal safeguards for the essential features of the European sporting model in football.
Firstly, the link between European and domestic competitions must be fully protected. Annual performance in domestic leagues must remain the sole criterion for qualification for Europe. Allowing this link to be broken or distorted in any way would be a devastating betrayal of domestic leagues, emblematic aspects of the European heritage, for smaller football leagues and clubs, it is an existential question.
Secondly, the balance between national teams and clubs must be maintained. This balance underpins the entire model of solidarity and the development of football in your countries. at the risk of any development at grassroots level.
Protecting the single model
Thirdly, the single model of European football must be fully respected. We must all realise that it is in the public interest to continue to protect this single model.
European football is one of Europe's greatest success stories. It is strong and resilient. We have the most popular competitions, clubs and players - loved and followed by fans all over the world.
But we need more legal certainty to protect and preserve this success story. The law should be used to support the European model of sport. "No" to the will of those who seek to destroy it for their own power and selfish gain."
UEFA's mission
Regarding UEFA's non-profit mission, he noted: "Our top competitions are not about profit. They are about solidarity, redistribution and development. These are not words. Solidarity is not a charitable donation. For UEFA, solidarity is our raison d’être.
UEFA is not for profit. We redistribute 97% of our net profits back into football. Yes, 97%. What’s left is used to cover costs and sustain vital areas of women’s, youth and indoor football. And when we make more money, we give more money. Who else does that?
Who else commits such a share of revenue to fundamental objectives such as grassroots funding, the development of the women’s game and supporting youth competitions? That’s not a cost. It’s an investment. An investment in the game and an investment in people and communities. It’s an investment in the public interest.”
And he concluded: “UEFA is democratic and pluralistic. In UEFA, Malta stands with Germany. Moldova with France. "Dedicated, honest and inclusive dialogue is at the heart of everything we do. Because we know that to lead well, you have to listen. That's how UEFA has given a voice to all stakeholders, leagues, clubs, players and fans. Just a month ago, UEFA and FIFPRO Europe, the European players' union, signed a historic partnership to include player representation in European football governance. Players are now at the heart of football and their perspectives shape the decisions that are made. This approach reflects a modern model of governance where decisions are made collectively and inclusively."
Manos Staramopoulos
Journalist and Analyst of International Football and Affairs
Chief Editor English Zone of Discoveryfootball.com
Athens (Greece)
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