Aleksander Čeferin to EU sports ministers: concrete protections needed to strengthen European sports model

Addressing representatives from the 27 EU member states in Brussels on Tuesday morning, President Čeferin urged Europe's policymakers to legally safeguard the model and its core principles.

"For 70 years, the European sports model has been built on principles of open competitions, promotion and relegation based on sporting merit, financial solidarity and recognition of sport’s social impact," President Čeferin said. "These principles have guided UEFA since its foundation."

EU sports ministers signalled their strong political support for the model with a joint declaration in February this year, and this week held a debate on providing additional political backing, with the topic one of the key priorities of the European Commission's new 2024-2029 mandate.

The UEFA president was invited to address the Council by the current EU Presidency, Hungary, and during his speech, encouraged ministers and the European Commission to take concrete actions towards implementing the 2021 Council resolution to protect the model "from those who seek to destroy it for their own power and selfish gain."

President Čeferin (right) arrives at the Europa Building of the Council of the EU with the EU Presidency, Hungarian Minister of State Dr Adam Schmidt

President Čeferin on the unique power of the European sports model…

"It is a model that promotes the health of our citizens, builds facilities for our children and nurtures the hopes and dreams of fans, athletes and clubs – whether big or small, whether winning, losing or simply enjoying taking part.

"I am proud that UEFA and European football exemplify this model. But we could not do it alone. National governments play a vital role in this effort, [ensuring] that children have the opportunity to play, that communities benefit from sports facilities, and that the values of inclusion and participation are embraced across society.

"Sport is about so much more than 'money' and 'markets'. Sport is not an asset for sale at auction. Football is not a 'product'. Ask any fan and they will tell you!"

On how all stakeholders must work together to protect European football…

"Whenever we try to reinforce this solidarity model, we are exposed to threats and pressures from operators who want more for themselves and to share less with others.

"Do you remember the outcry when a selfish breakaway project put the European sports model at risk in football?

"In some sports, it has already happened, [but] we cannot and we will not let this happen to European football. So let’s work together to create concrete legal safeguards to the key features of the European sports model in football.

"Firstly, the link between European and domestic competitions must be fully protected. Annual performance in domestic leagues must remain the sole criteria for qualification to Europe. To allow this link to be broken or twisted in any way would be a devastating betrayal of domestic leagues – iconic aspects of European heritage. For smaller football leagues and clubs, it is an existential question.

"Secondly, the balance between national team and club competitions must be preserved. This balance underpins the entire solidarity model and football development in your countries. If we don’t keep a healthy balance between national team competitions and club competitions, then we are placing in jeopardy all development at grassroots level.

"Thirdly, the unified model of European football must be fully upheld. We must all realise that it is in the public interest to continue to protect this unified model.

"European football is one of Europe’s greatest success stories. It is strong and resilient. We have the most popular competitions, clubs and players – loved and followed by fans all over the world.

"However, we need more legal certainty to protect and sustain this success story. The law should be used to support the European sport model – not bent to the will of those who seek to destroy it for their own power and selfish gain."

On UEFA's not-for-profit mission at the heart of European sport…

"Our top competitions are not about making profit. They are about solidarity, redistribution and development. These are not buzz words. Solidarity is not a charity donation. For UEFA, solidarity is our raison d’être.

"UEFA is not-for-profit. We redistribute 97% of our net earnings back into football. Yes, 97%. What is left is used to cover costs and sustain vital areas of the sport – women’s, youth and futsal. And when we make more money, we give more money. Who else does this?

"Who else is committing such a share of revenue back to fundamental objectives like grassroots funding, developing the women’s game and supporting youth competitions?

"This is not a cost. It is an investment. An investment in the game and an investment in people and communities. It is investment in the public interest."

On the importance of listening in leading…

"UEFA is democratic and pluralistic. At UEFA, Malta sits alongside Germany. Moldova with France. Committed, sincere and inclusive dialogue is at the heart of everything we do. Because we know that to lead well, you have to listen. So, UEFA has given a voice to all relevant stakeholders – leagues, clubs, players and fans.

"Just a month ago UEFA and FIFPRO Europe, the European football players’ union, signed a historic partnership to include player representation in European football governance. Players are now at the heart of football, and their perspectives shape the decisions taken.

"This approach reflects a modern governance model where decisions are made collaboratively and inclusively."