The Union of European Clubs' General Secretary represented the UEC at the European Parliament’s stakeholders' dialogue on the European Sport Model
On Tuesday 18th March in Brussels, the Union of European Clubs' General Secretary, Dennis Gudasic, represented the UEC at the European Parliament’s stakeholders' dialogue on its own-initiative report: "The role of EU policies in shaping the European Sport Model".
The UEC was invited to speak alongside major stakeholders such as FIFA, UEFA, European Leagues, FIFPRO, ECA, La Liga, Football Supporters Europe, the European Olympic Committee and EU Athletes.
His full speech is available below in its entirety.
"I would first like to thank representatives of the European Commission, the Polish Presidency in the Council, the Council of Europe and members of the European Parliament, for the opportunity to present the perspectives of the Union of European Clubs (the UEC).
The UEC was launched and incorporated two years ago in Brussels by a large number of like-minded clubs, who identified the need for better representation of non-elite professional football clubs in Europe. Since our launch event, we have grown in leaps and bounds and we have more than 140 member clubs from 25 different countries. Our 16 member Executive Board consists of clubs from 14 different countries some of which compete regularly in UEFA competitions, many others aspiring and expected to achieve this feat in the coming period.
Why is the UEC needed? To re-establish in football the principles and values that are deeply enshrined in the functioning of the EU – good governance, competitive balance, financial sustainability.
By giving a voice to professional clubs of all sizes, the UEC enables them to defend their interest and advocate for a regulatory environment where they can progress in both financial and sporting terms, to be heard and treated equally. Size should not matter. The launch of the UEC is a strong commitment to European solidarity. Good governance is needed. The UEC is needed.
Over the last 25 years, UEFA has distributed more than 25 billion euros to clubs. Only 9 clubs gathered almost one third of total revenues, 18 of them earned 50% of this revenue. Governing bodies are competing with each other as they organise financially lucrative events, for the benefit of elite clubs, thus enabling them to entrench their positions at the top. The pattern is clear, revenue from tv rights in domestic leagues is going down whilst revenue from international competitions is rising. Domestic leagues’ TV rights are distributed to all clubs whilst the revenue of international competitions is distributed to mostly a small group of clubs. As a result, this revenue is distorting competitive balance in domestic leagues. Competitive balance is needed. The UEC is needed.
The current decision making processes are heavily influenced by the European Club Association (ECA) and the protection they enjoy from the exclusivity to represent all clubs, a monopolistic gift which has been granted to them by UEFA and FIFA. It goes against the spirit of the European sports model which is based on non-discriminatory practices transparency and representativeness. The most recent Memorandum of Understanding between ECA and UEFA is unprecedented in duration, granting this exclusiveness for the following 8 years. We are happy for ECA to represent the elite clubs. They deliver massive financial, social benefits and promote the game of football. However, the smaller clubs also deserve a place in the governance structures and decision making. Good governance is needed. The UEC is needed.
The UEC has support in the stakeholder environment, we see ourselves as a protector of UEFA values, complementing the current structures. However, the lack of recognition of the UEC on behalf of UEFA is a major concern for the future of football with important potential consequences for the future of the game.
What should be the role of EU policies in shaping the European Sport Model, in implementing positive change? Current self-regulation is proving flawed. EU regulatory standards on a European level would have a far reaching positive effect across the continent. EU policies should reshape the current model, to help them comply with EU law in view of recent ECJ rulings. Policies should protect the European model of sport, ensuring governing bodies act responsibly and independently of the interests of elite clubs. To be clear, we see UEFA as the guardian of football. A guardian that should remain the competition organiser and regulator. It’s the only safeguard smaller clubs have against the ambitions of some elite clubs who want to hijack football from UEFA.
EU policies and regulation should support sustainability and fair practices, to prevent excessive debt and prohibit financial practices that create unfair competitive advantages, so clubs compete on an even playing field. They should also support the further development of solidarity so that it’s more balanced and visible, to improve current mechanisms and promote the innovation of new additional solutions. EU policies are needed. Financial sustainability is needed. New, improved Solidarity solutions are needed. The UEC is needed.
Just as smaller countries deserve a place in this Parliament, smaller clubs deserve a place in decision making in football. This would be a license for governing bodies’ autonomy.
Thank you for your attention."
