The EPFL held its General Meeting in Stockholm

Nota de Prensa

FRI 24.10.2014

The Association of European Professional Football Leagues held its 2013/14 General Meeting in Stockholm (Sweden) on Friday and welcomed the Professional Football Leagues of Romania and Israel as new members of the EPFL.

"We are very happy to be members of the international professional football family", said the president of the Romanian association, Gino Iorgulescu. For his part, Yoram Baumann, of the Israel Professional Football League, stated that "with the help of the EPFL we will be able to learn and contribute in the near future".

The gathered members agreed to keep the summer free for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as changing the date “would harm European competitions, football business and sporting interests" in the words of the president of the EPFL, Frédéric Thiriez.

In addition, a resolution was adopted to guarantee the sustainability of the EPFL member leagues, the payments between clubs and the fiscal obligations to tax authorities.

The EPFL takes note of FIFA's decision to introduce a ban on third-party ownership (TPO) during the transition period. During this period, the EPFL will ask FIFA and the parties interested in the process for a clear definition and regulation for TPO.

Members of the EPFL welcomed the UEFA decision to restructure their Youth League for the 2015/2016 season. The new format will guarantee the presence of all the countries and their access to an international competition.

Ebola and the concern about the evolution of the disease were also discussed at the meeting. The European football leagues urged the public authorities, FIFA and the African Football Confederation (CAF) to adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the health of the players, professionals and football fans.

The president of the EPFL, Frédéric Thiriez, concluded the meeting by explaining that “all the leagues agree that the European football model needs redefining. The leagues are ready to make proposals to UEFA to guarantee competitiveness and solidarity at all levels.”