UEFA defends football's freedom

UEFA's President Michel Platini and the UEFA Executive Committee have called for football to be allowed to develop in a stable environment and in a common spirit of solidarity, free of negative influences that have made themselves felt within the game in recent years.

Positive example
In their report to the XXXII Ordinary UEFA Congress in Zagreb, approved by representatives of UEFA's 53 member associations on Thursday, the President and Executive Committee emphasised the need for football to set a positive example within modern society, with a proper balance being maintained between sporting values and economic criteria.

Fair balance
"As long as European football, like other sports, remains at the mercy of civil courts which, through a single decision, can bring about major changes to the rules governing our sport," the report said, "the Executive Committee will remain relentless in its efforts to convince Europe's politicians of the need to allow football to develop in a stable environment, providing a fair balance between sporting values and respect for the economic principles that underpin European Community regulations.

Foster dialogue
"The Executive Committee is also well aware that football's voice will only be heard if it speaks as one and that the general interest should always take precedence over individual considerations. It will therefore continue to foster dialogue in all its forms within European football, knowing full well that its decisions will only be accepted by all stakeholders in the European game if they have had an opportunity to express and defend their points of view.

Social functions
"The executive is also conscious that sport's position can only be maintained if it fully assumes its social functions and is ruthless in its efforts to combat political racketeering, corruption, violence and cheating in all its forms.

Promoting integration
"Once again," the report concluded, "we are calling for solidarity in order that football can enhance its influence, not only by continuing to offer financial support to charitable institutions, disabled athletes and social projects, but by promoting integration and setting a positive example in our society."

Welcome advice
In its report, the Executive Committee welcomed the advice it had been given in particular by UEFA's various committees, expert panels and working groups. It stressed the desire to work in harmony with all of football's stakeholders, and also welcomed the creation of the UEFA Professional Football Strategy Council, which brings together UEFA vice-presidents, leagues, clubs and players' representatives to talk about important European football matters.

Click here to read the report