21 Oct 2014
UEFA signs landmark partnership with European Commission
BY Tom Walker
UEFA has signed a "historic agreement" with the European Commission, designed to further improve the relationship between the football governing body and the European Union (EU).
The Arrangement for Cooperation aims to cement the structured cooperation in key policy areas and strengthens UEFA’s commitment to working with the Commission and other national and European public bodies.
As part of the agreement, the two organisations have committed to having regular bilateral meetings and a senior level meeting at least once a year.
In order to further promote the social role of sport, and in particular in relation to health and physical activity, the agreement also envisages collaboration between the European Commission and UEFA in the context of the planned European Week of Sport.
The partnership agreement is seen as proof that the two organisations are now working together in the area of policy, laying to rest previous disagreements over issues such as employment law and club governance.
Following the "Bosman ruling" in 1995 – which banned restrictions on foreign EU players in national leagues and had a profound effect on player transfers – the EU was seen as a threat by UEFA and the two had a strained relationship for a number of years.
Since then, however, UEFA has been forced to accept (and adapt to) all aspects of European law and policies on its activities and it now sees the EU as its ‘long term strategic partner’.
UEFA President Michel Platini said: "We’ve come a long way in our relationship with the European Commission and this Arrangement for Cooperation is proof that our bond is stronger than ever.
"With the increased support of the European Commission, we will intensify our fight to safeguard the ethics of sport and to promote good governance. By working together, we will make sure football can overcome the many challenges it faces, whether it be discrimination, match-fixing, third party player ownership or violence.
"UEFA is also pleased to have the commitment of the European Commission to cooperate in the promotion of grassroots football and to continue to support the implementation of the Financial Fair Play process, which will ensure football can grow and prosper in years to come. I am very proud of this Arrangement for Cooperation and believe that it comes at a crucial time for European Football."
Close Window