EU white paper on sport 'lacks ambition'

The European commission has been accused of being “afraid to antagonise” those who promote the free market in sport.

It follows the publication on Wednesday of the commission's first comprehensive sports white paper.

Presenting the executive's plans, EU culture commissioner Jan Figel left open the possibility that he might legislate to regulate football players’ agents, some of whom have been linked to corruption.

Despite this, Belgian EPP-ED deputy, Ivo Belet, parliament’s rapporteur on the future of football, today said the white paper “lacks ambition and courage”.

On the thorny issue of players’ agents, the MEP said parliament had in the past demanded “clear rules”.

“The commission, however, is only carrying out a study,” he said. “This is a missed chance, especially since football recently suffered from a great number of scandals involving players’ agents.”

“It is also regrettable that the commission does not speak out more clearly in favour of more solidarity in sports.

“As regards the sale of TV rights, parliament asked for a much clearer signal. The financial race that increases the gap between the large, rich clubs and smaller, not so wealthy, ones needs to stop.

“This can only be done by opting for the collective selling of TV rights.”

“Hopefully, implementation of the new reform treaty will provide us with a new opportunity to realise further steps which can lead to more solidarity in sport.”

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