TV rights open fresh possibilities says Aigner

UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner says that the recent TV rights agreement between UEFA and the European Union represents a crucial step forward in relations between sport and government authorities.

Ensuring prosperity
In his editorial column in the latest edition of UEFA's publication uefadirect, Mr Aigner said the accord would ensure the prosperity of European club football's most prestigious competition for the foreseeable future.

Central marketing
Following lengthy negotiations, UEFA and the European Commission reached agreement earlier this month on procedures for the central marketing of television and new media rights for the UEFA Champions League.

Maintaining solidarity
"Having closely examined the question of the marketing of TV for the UEFA Champions League," said Mr Aigner, "the European Commission has now recognised the importance of central selling for maintaining solidarity in European football and also for the brand identity of the UEFA Champions League."

Official recognition
The UEFA CEO went on: "By including centralised marketing for live TV rights in the wider agreement reached with UEFA, the European Commission is the first competition authority in Europe to officially recognise this systtem. For UEFA, as well as other sports federations and the national associations, this is an important step."

Mutual understanding
The Chief Executive of European football's governing body welcomed the progress made in the relationship between sport and government organisations. "This agreement goes to show that, through dialogue, the authorities of the European Union and of sport have achieved better mutual understanding," he said.

Stable development
"Certainly for UEFA this development will prove important in helping us and the clubs develop the tools we need for stable and controlled development in the TV and new media markets."

Promising prospects
Mr Aigner said the accord, which is expected to be validated shortly, offered "promising prospects" which would assist sport's governing bodies in reaching television deals in the future.

Favourable to all parties
"At a time when the television markets are no longer euphoric, this agreement with the European Commission...also opens up new possibilities in the media field which should be favourable to all parties concerned and ensure the prosperity and renown of the UEFA Champions League in the next period of its development," the UEFA CEO concluded.