European leagues demand transparency in FIFA structures

In the city of Warsaw (Poland) took place the General Assembly of European Professional Football Leagues Association (EPFL). In it, the European football leagues issued a joint statement of concern about corruption in FIFA. Therefore, the European leagues are aligned with the criticism from LaLiga to the current situation of the governing body of world football, calling for transparency in the renewal of its structures and were offered to join in the discussion of this necessary reform.

According to the statement, "the current situation on FIFA´s field, and the serious allegations that currently are leading several investigations, are not only detrimental to FIFA, but for the entire world of football". The statement continues remembering that "the EPFL cannot make a statement on the ongoing proceedings, but the European leagues believe that it is time for all international bodies to increase government transparency at all levels in its structure. Transparency should apply both in regard to the representatives and senior managers, as well as in the process of decision making. The EPFL also wants new principles of government are carried out with the participation of all interested parties, including leagues".

EPFL association concludes its statement with an offer. "Given its experience as competition organizers and representatives of its member clubs, in a highly regulated and controlled environment, the European leagues are willing to participate fully in the ongoing discussions concerning the reform of FIFA."

Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, represented the Spanish professional football in today's meeting of the EPFL. Tebas welcomed the decision of the other European leagues, in line with the opinion rendered by LaLiga in the preceding days. "FIFA officials have not been able to adapt to the football industry, to the sport industry. They have not been adapted to the new model of industry, transparency and good governance. To provide leadership towards such transparency and credibility, those who are currently within the power structure are worthless. It has to come from other positions and leagues have a key part in this change", stated Tebas hours before the meeting.

In today´s General Assembly, among other issues, was also addressed the FIFPro claim to the European Commission regarding the transfer system. EPFL "believes in the importance of the current transfer system that ensures financial redistribution mechanisms through adequate compensation for the development of young people". European leagues consider that the decision taken by FIFPro of filing a complaint before the European Commission, challenges the principles of solidarity and the competitive balance that leagues seek to safeguard. EPFL believes that the issues regarding the transfer system must be addressed between the interested parties rather than in court.