The President of UEFA, Aleksander Čeferin, in his speech before the EU Council of Sports Ministers, emphasized the need for concrete measures to defend the European sports model.
Addressing representatives of EU member states in Brussels, Ceferin called on European decision-makers to legally protect the model and its basic principles.
"For 70 years, the European sports model has been built on the principles of open competitions, promotion and relegation based on sporting merit, financial solidarity and recognition of the social impact of sport. These principles have guided UEFA since its foundation," Ceferin said.
In February of this year, the EU sports ministers expressed their strong political support for this model in a joint declaration, and this week they held a debate on providing additional political support, considering that this topic is one of the key priorities of the new mandate of the European Commission for the period from 2024. until 2029.
The UEFA president was invited by the current EU presidency, Hungary, to address the council. During his speech, Čeferin encouraged ministers and the European Commission to take concrete measures to implement the Council's 2021 resolution to protect the model "from those who seek to destroy it for their power and selfish interests."
"The European sporting model has a unique power to combine sporting values with social, educational and cultural aspects. This model promotes inclusion, equality and integrity, and plays a key role in building communities and connecting people across our continent. I am proud that UEFA and European football represent this model. But we cannot achieve this alone. National governments play a key role in this effort, ensuring that children have the opportunity to play sports, that communities benefit from sports facilities, and that the values of inclusion and participation is much more than 'money' and 'market'. Football is not a 'product', said Čeferin.
Čeferin pointed out that all actors must work together to protect European football.
"Whenever we try to strengthen this model of solidarity, we are exposed to threats and pressures from operators who want more for themselves and less to share with others. Do you remember the reaction when a selfish separation project put the European sports model in football at risk? In it has already happened to some sports, but we cannot and will not allow the same to happen to European football. So let's work together to create concrete legal protections for the key features of the European sports model in football," he said is Ceferin.
He emphasized domestic competitions.
"Firstly, the link between European and domestic competitions must be fully protected. Annual performance in the domestic leagues must remain the sole criterion for qualifying for Europe. To allow that link to be severed or twisted in any way would be a devastating betrayal of the domestic leagues – iconic aspects of European heritage. For smaller football leagues and clubs, it's an existential issue," Čeferin explains.
The balance between representative and club competitions must be preserved.
"Secondly, the balance between national team and club competitions must be preserved. This balance is the basis of the entire model of solidarity and development of football in your countries. If we do not maintain a healthy balance between national team and club competitions, then we put at risk all development at the level of amateur football. Third , the unique model of European football must be fully preserved. We must all understand that it is in the public interest to continue to protect this unique model. It is one of Europe's greatest successes. We have the most popular competitions, clubs and players - loved and followed by fans all over the world," said the UEFA president.
Legal regulation is equally important.
"However, we need greater legal certainty to protect and maintain this success story. The law should be used to support the European sporting model – not bend to the will of those who want to destroy it for their power and selfish interests."
About UEFA's non-profit mission, which is at the heart of European sport.
"Our main competitions are not aimed at making a profit. They are about solidarity, redistribution and development. These are not just empty words. Solidarity is not a charitable contribution. For UEFA, solidarity is our reason for existence. UEFA is not a profit organization. We redistribute 97 percent of our net income back to football. Yes, 97 percent is used to cover the costs and maintenance of the key areas of the sport - women's football and futsal. And when we earn more, we give Who else does this? Who else invests such a large part of the income in the funding of amateur football and the development of youth competitions. This is an investment in the game and in the community . It is an investment in the public interest."
On the importance of listening when leading.
"Uefa is a democratic and pluralistic organisation. In UEFA, Malta sits next to 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 why UEFA has provided voice to all relevant stakeholders – leagues, clubs, players and fans Just a month ago, UEFA and FIFPRO Europe, the European football players' union, signed a historic partnership to include representatives players in the management of European football. The players are now at the heart of football, and their perspectives shape the decisions made. This approach reflects a modern management model where decisions are made jointly and inclusively," Ceferin concluded.
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