The Court of Justice of the European
Union has not given the green light to the Super League, a
proposed seasonal football competition for club teams in Europe,
but said rather that current rules on prior approval by football
governing bodies of interclub tournaments need to be reviewed,
Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said on Thursday.
"For me the fundamental assumption is that competition is
inclusive and that national championships, nurseries and the
national team are protected," said Abodi after the EU Court
ruled that the FIFA and UEFA rules on prior approval of
interclub football competitions are contrary to EU law.
"Today is a day for taking responsibility and deep reflection,"
he added.
"However, in these cases I try to see the opportunities; there
is a need to review the centre of gravity of relationships and
interests.
"Before going to extremes, there is a course that UEFA can
take," said Abodi.
In its decision the EU Court of Justice said the FIFA and UEFA
rules making any new interclub football project subject to their
prior approval, such as the
Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in
those competitions, are contrary to competition law and the
freedom to provide services.
There is no framework for the FIFA and UEFA rules ensuring that
they are transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and
proportionate, the Court added.
Similarly, it said the rules giving FIFA and UEFA exclusive
control over the commercial exploitation of the rights related
to interclub competitions are such as to restrict competition,
given their importance for the media, consumers and
television viewers in the European Union.
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