UEFA-EU agreement strengthens relations

The Arrangement for Cooperation (AfC) signed between the European Commission and UEFA reflects the clear vision that European football's governing body holds for the future of the game on this continent – and strengthens the relationship between the two parties in the interests of the long-term development of sport in general, and football in particular.

On Tuesday, the Commission's President, José Manuel Barroso, the EU Commissioner responsible for sport, Androulla Vassiliou, and the UEFA President, Michel Platini, came together in Brussels to sign what is seen as a historic document that paves the way for reinforced cooperation between UEFA and the European authorities in key policy areas.

For a long number of years now, relations between UEFA and the EU have been positive, with UEFA striving to defend football's interests on a variety of levels, and the European authorities understanding the need for fruitful ties and often giving positive responses to UEFA's policies and initiatives.

Under the new agreement, the European Commission and UEFA express the wish to consolidate these relations, and to facilitate future cooperation in matters of mutual interest. The two parties will also endeavour to foster cooperation and dialogue, exchanging information, knowledge and good practice, with the intention of building a strong legacy with sporting, social, cultural, educational and economic benefits.

"This agreement is the fruit of eight years of constant dialogue," said Mr Platini. "UEFA has one aim – namely, to defend the interests of European football – and more than ever, we need the help of the political and public authorities to carry out this mission of general interest."

"The Arrangement for Cooperation builds on the progress we have achieved and provides a road map for our joint work in the next three years," added Mrs Vassiliou. "The Commission and UEFA are united in promoting common values through sport ... I am confident that this agreement will be a significant step forward in our cooperation."

The AfC states that sport is currently facing new challenges, which demand a common effort from stakeholders in areas such as corruption, financial instability, human trafficking, doping, violence, racism and wider public security concerns – all of which require a firm response to safeguard sporting ethics, promote good governance and ensure a positive future for sport.

The new agreement acknowledges the educational, cultural, social and economic role of sport. The European Commission and UEFA have confirmed their commitment to financial fair play as a means of improving the stability and sustainability of clubs, and as an initiative that contributes to the healthy growth of sport in Europe.

The parties also recognise the need to strengthen rules designed to support the local training of players, of critical importance for youth development, as well as the social role of national team competitions and the importance of provisions regarding the release of players for national team duty.

UEFA and the EU have also understood the necessity to address third-party ownership of players. This practice is seen as having the potential to distort the integrity of competitions, and leads to money being taken out of the game by parties who invest in players and who profit from transfers of these players as a result. Furthermore, the European bodies have signalled their intention to tackle other abusive and unethical practices that undermine the integrity of sporting competitions and threaten the rights of athletes.

The fight against all forms of discrimination will be strengthened, along with the promotion of fundamental rights of athletes, including minors, in the context of sport. A more prominent role is foreseen for UEFA in the regulation of international player transfers and agents at European level.

Fighting match-fixing and corruption in football is seen by UEFA as one of its major priorities, and cross-border cooperation between sports bodies and public authorities will be addressed as a means of protecting the integrity of sport against this negative phenomenon.

UEFA and the EU have also pledged to step up efforts to combat violence at football events, through the reinforcement of the Council of Europe convention on spectator violence, which came into force in 1985. The legitimacy of sports arbitration bodies to resolve sport-related disputes is also recognised, given that sports arbitration bodies guarantee the universal application of sporting rules, as well as the swift procedures that sports competitions require.

As part of the AfC, both sides agree to hold regular bilateral meetings, and senior-level meetings at least once a year.