UEFA has announced plans
for a European system of licensing for all top division clubs hoping to take
part in the Champions League. This would mean clubs would be tested in relation
to stadium facilities, coaches and coaching standards would need a seal of
approval (the new UEFA Pro License),
clubs' finances would come under direct scrutiny, and players' and fans'
behaviour alike could lead to teams being blocked from the competition. This
move is seen as a direct threat to smaller clubs and countries - the Irish
Republic, Wales, Northern Ireland, Finland and Sweden are already firmly
against the new rules. They regard this as an attempt by the rich clubs of
Europe to get even more control over the lucrative Champions League and UEFA
Cup competitions.
Similar systems already exist in Gemany and France where
clubs' finances are examined regularly to prevent them getting into too much
debt. This is in itself not such a bad idea, although there will be clubs who
will not welcome the news - Real Madrid have been warned that they will not be
admitted to the 2002 Champions League if their finances are not back in better
shape and Dynamo Kiev are suspected of some shady, behind the scenes, financial goings on.
Clubs have been used to a large degree of 'secrecy' as far as their wheeling
and dealing is concerned and will not be overjoyed at having to reveal all to
outside auditors/accountants.
This looks like being yet
another confrontation between football's rulers and the clubs in the struggle to
secure maximum profits. As you can well imagine it will be hard work for the
great and mighty to meet these new demands let alone the small clubs - for
example, Liverpool are about to leave their old home Anfield and would have to
provide extensive media facilities (including a 150-seat press box), 3 (yes -
you read that correctly) television studios and a 300-seat media working area.
This would certainly exclude the majority of clubs from becoming eligible to
take part in the Champions League regardless of their performance on the pitch.
A pilot scheme will start next season in the Scottish FA and this latest twist in the 'class war' in football will certainly add fuel
to the flames of discontent - keep your eyes on this space for the continuing
story of.....
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