An EU conference on licensing systems for club competitions took place last week (17-18 September), bringing together representatives of football federations, leagues, clubs and players, as well as representatives of other team sports.
The participants mainly discussed the issue of financial discipline as a key element of licensing systems, both to ensure that no club drops out of a competition for finance-related reasons and to promote financial fairness among clubs participating in the same competition.
The European commissioner in charge of sport, Jan Figel', used the occasion to welcome the 'Financial Fair Play' concept approved by UEFA ahead of the conference.
Unanimously backed by the European Club Association (ECA), the European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) and the players (FIFPro Europe), the concept introduces new rules which ban clubs from spending more than their revenue. According to UEFA, more than 50% of clubs are losing money due to the current economic crisis.
UEFA Secretary-General David Taylor said there would be a transitional period for the new rules on cost control and financial fairness, but insisted that the system would be in place for the 2012-2013 season. After this date, "there will be sanctions for non-compliance," he said.
Commissioner Figel' described the concept as "a great example to other fields" regarding self-governance and transparency in sports.
The conference also discussed the importance of licensing systems in promoting youth training and fostering investment in sport.
