The European Parliament took a significant step on Tuesday by approving a resolution regarding the European sports model, aiming to influence the European Commission’s long-term strategy for sport and physical activity. With a vote tally of 552 in favor, 52 against, and 35 abstentions, the resolution underscores the Parliament’s commitment to enhancing the governance and integrity of sports across Europe.
Key stakeholders in the sports community, including UEFA and the European Leagues Association, welcomed this resolution, emphasizing its potential to foster a healthier framework for sports governance. This approval reflects a growing demand for accountability and transparency within sports organizations, setting the stage for changes that resonate with both athletes and fans alike.
Improving Governance and Involving Stakeholders
The resolution calls for a concerted effort from international and national sports organizations to enhance governance, transparency, and accountability. Members of Parliament (MEPs) are particularly keen on increasing the involvement of fans, athletes, and individuals with disabilities in decision-making processes. This initiative addresses the ongoing under-representation of women in leadership positions, aiming to create a more inclusive environment within the sports community.
Beyond tackling existing issues like corruption, match-fixing, and doping, MEPs are advocating for vigilance against new threats to the integrity of European sport. They urge the European Commission to monitor the impact of foreign investments and multi-club ownership models, assessing how these could jeopardize financial integrity and competitive balance.
Player Rights and Occupational Health
In an important shift, the Parliament has recognized that occupational health and safety regulations must apply to professional athletes for the first time. MEPs are calling for proactive risk management strategies to oversee athletes’ well-being, particularly regarding travel, match calendars, and overlapping competitions. This recognition comes amid growing pressures on players and addresses the ongoing workload crisis that threatens their physical and mental health.
Social protection, fair resource distribution, and the protection of minors are also top priorities in the resolution. The Parliament emphasizes the need for regulation of intermediaries and support for dual careers, lifelong learning, mental health, and post-retirement transitions for athletes.
A Call to Action
Rapporteur Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski described the Parliament’s report as a “call to action,” asserting that the challenges facing sports today test the resilience of the European Sports Model. He emphasized the importance of promoting sports at all levels, not just for the success of professional competitions, but also for fostering a more active society. The sports sector plays a vital role in the EU’s economy, contributing 2.12% to GDP and providing jobs to nearly six million people.
Support from UEFA and European Leagues
Following the resolution, UEFA expressed its approval, characterizing it as a commitment to protecting the fundamental principles of European football. UEFA highlighted the importance of maintaining merit-based qualifications for international competitions and ensuring a balance between club and national football. This alignment indicates a united front among stakeholders for safeguarding the essence of European sport.
The European Leagues echoed UEFA’s sentiment and underscored the resolution’s encouragement to enhance stakeholder representation in decision-making processes. They reiterated the call for clear guidelines on the application of EU law to the sports sector, especially in light of recent rulings from the European Court of Justice regarding athlete rights and competition law.
Addressing Conflicts of Interest
Concerns have also emerged regarding FIFA’s role as both the governing body and competition organizer. The European Leagues, along with FIFPRO Europe, have filed a formal complaint with the European Commission, arguing that this dual role leads to conflicts of interest. They assert that regulatory powers are being used to promote commercial interests at the expense of the sport’s overall health and governance.
A Defining Moment for Player Welfare
David Terrier, president of FIFPRO Europe, described the resolution as a pivotal moment for player welfare and rights. The longstanding sidelining of players’ health in the context of calendar decisions is being challenged. The Parliament’s resolution underscores the necessity of treating athletes as workers, thus mandating their protection under health and safety regulations that safeguard every other worker across Europe. This acknowledgment signifies a legal and moral imperative to prioritize player well-being.