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The recent decision by the Court of Justice regarding the European Super League has been criticized for being rushed and unfair. This has motivated EU sports ministers to gather in the upcoming year and work towards defining and safeguarding a European approach to sports, recognizing the unique cultural significance of activities like football.
A new effort has been made to establish a European Super League, highlighting the ongoing discrepancies between EU legislation and the practical operation of sports. The recent decisions made by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) were, in part, an effort to reconcile the changing perspectives on how sports can be integrated into competition laws and the concept of free movement.
The Minister of Sports in France, Amelie Oudea-Castera, announced that politicians will meet on January 10th with a renewed determination to make the discussions more stringent. Oudea-Castera expressed her opposition to the “effort to revive” the Super League, which is based on a rushed and one-sided interpretation of the ECJ’s decision, reflecting a larger sentiment within the EU.
Legal experts in the sports industry have increasingly acknowledged the far-reaching impact of the 1995 Bosman ruling, which has resulted in unintended consequences for the functioning of football. This has been taken into account in numerous subsequent cases. However, sports executives have expressed frustration with how strict adherence to competition laws can actually harm the competitiveness of the industry. In fact, more open markets can lead to a decrease in competition within sports.
Bosman is a prime illustration of this, as he established an almost entirely unrestricted transfer market that ultimately leads to the consolidation of talent and resources among a select few clubs.
Although the European Super League was pleased with the ruling on Thursday, which stated “football is free”, it appears this has actually strengthened ongoing discussions among sports ministers regarding the incorporation of sporting values into EU law.
Initially, Oudea-Castera was responding to a comment made by Margaritis Schinas, the vice-president of the European Commission, on social media. Schinas stated that solidarity is a fundamental principle of Europe and that they are committed to promoting a values-based sports model. They believe that European football should be a source of inclusion and unity, not just for the elite.
Oudea-Castera continued, stating that the Super League project contradicts the principles that France upholds for professional sports at both a national and European level.
“France stands against the potential harm this project may bring to our leagues, amateur and professional clubs, athletes, and overall sports community. We will continue to support a European model that prioritizes fair competition, sporting excellence, solidarity, financial aid for the social impact of sports, and equal access for all.”
She also stated that the ministers will convene to solidify discussions that have been ongoing for a considerable period of time.
“I have been engaged in ongoing discussions with my European colleagues for several months now, and we will continue to address these matters in the upcoming weeks. Starting on January 10, we will collaborate at a technical level to explore ways to enhance the current system and reinforce its fundamental principles.”
Source: independent.co.uk
