ECA calls for full club involvement in EU initiatives on football governance
Biarritz, France (ots)
In a frank speech delivered today at the EU Sport Forum in Biarritz, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), called on the EU to ensure that football clubs were included at the very heart of all decision-making in establishing guidelines and frameworks designed to improve governance and fair play in professional football.
"Consultation alone is not enough," stated Rummenigge. "Decisions with a direct influence on clubs, their management, employees and fans need to be discussed and sanctioned by those stakeholders."
Rummenigge questioned certain decisions taken in the past without proper consultation as having had an extremely negative consequence on football in general and clubs in particular. The Bosman ruling had some negative effect causing salary inflation, spiraling transfer fees and other practices which have undermined financial soundness in the game.
He went on to pledge ECA's commitment to work with the football family to help set the sport back on a sound footing, based on solid investment over the longer term and on healthy competition, and pointed out the Professional Football Strategy Council as doing excellent work in the governance of football.
About ECA
The European Club Association is the sole, independent body representing football clubs at European level, and takes its place at the high table of European football along with UEFA, and official bodies representing players and the leagues.
The formation of ECA marks an end to disharmony in the European football family, and clears the way for the collaboration of all parties in building the future of the game in Europe. Through ECA, and for the first time in some years, clubs now have a powerful voice in decision-making that shapes the future of professional football in Europe.
ECA replaces the G-14 group and the European Club Forum both dissolved early in 2008 and is fully recognized by UEFA and FIFA. ECA is committed to play a major and constructive role in helping shape the future of football, for the benefit of all concerned with the game.
ECA - LEADING THE WAY FOR FOOTBALL CLUBS IN EUROPE
Contacts: Walter Bruderer (English, German, French) Tel.: +41/)22/879'85'19 E-Mail: wbruderer@webershandwick.com
Alexia Fanni (English, French, Italian) Tel.: +41/22/879'85'07 E-Mail: afanni@webershandwick.com
Walter Bruderer Senior Consultant Weber Shandwick Switzerland Geneva Business Center 12, avenue des Morgines CH-1213 Petit-Lancy / Geneva Switzerland Tel.: +41/22/879'85'19 (direct line) Tel.: +41/22/879'85'00 (switchboard) Mobile: +41/76/375'74'63 Fax: +41/22/879'85'10 E-Mail: wbruderer@webershandwick.com Internet: www.webershandwick.com