KNVB response to non-binding opinion AG European Court of Justice

Foto: KNVb

Today the opinion of the Advocate General (AG) of the European Court of Justice, the highest judicial institution of the European Union, was published regarding the position (among others) of FIFA and UEFA in the European Sports Model and the advent of a possible Super League. The European Court's definitive ruling will likely follow in May of 2023.

We welcome the fact that the opinion recognizes the essential values of the current European sports model and the role played by international associations, national associations, and leagues to protect football, the fundamental sporting principles of football competitions and accessibility for their members. This is vital for solidarity in European football. The KNVB will continue to work with UEFA and other European football associations on this issue in the coming period.

KNVB position on Super League

 

For a future-proof European football, we must continue to look for new opportunities, but these should never come at the expense of the national leagues and its supporters. European sport, and thus also football, is characterized by a model based on promotion / relegation, qualification through national leagues and financial solidarity. This sporting premise allows well-performing clubs to advance to the European top via national leagues. The financial solidarity means that clubs that do not participate in European competitions can benefit financially from the successes of other domestic clubs that do participate. This contributes to competitive and attractive leagues. The KNVB opposes the Super League because it is a closed competition in which the aforementioned principles disappear. Minister Helder (Sports) - like other European ministers – also previously critiqued the Super League and the consequences it could have for the organization of the sport. We are pleased that the AG now also acknowledges this in his advice.