UEFA To Push For Financial Regulation Despite EPL Complaints
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Platini Plays Down UEFA-
EPL Conflict |
UEFA President Michel Platini Thursday said that his organization "will press ahead with plans to reform financial regulation of club football despite the objections of" the English Premier League (EPL), according to Paul Kelso of the London TELEGRAPH. Platini "insisted that he was not an enemy of the English game," though he will "pursue financial regulations unpopular with English clubs because of his 'philosophical' commitment to a vision of equity and fair play in European football." Platini's financial agenda "has met opposition from" the EPL, though Platini said that he "was not motivated by a desire to curb their dominance of the Champions League, with at least one English side in the past four finals." Platini added that he would lobby FIFA "to limit the 2018 World Cup to European bids" (London TELEGRAPH, 2/6). In London, Gabriele Marcotti notes Platini "was quick to dismiss the notion that he was targeting English clubs." Platini added that the proposed financial regulations "would only affect clubs wishing to play in UEFA competitions such as the Champions League and, from next season, the Europa League." UEFA "would not and could not extend any kind of regulation over Premier League clubs because it does not have any jurisdiction over domestic football" (LONDON TIMES, 2/6).
UNEVEN PLAYING FIELD: Platini said that he "had the support of many club owners in Europe to level the financial playing field across the continent." The FINANCIAL TIMES' Roger Blitz notes UEFA's strategy committee is considering "a salary cap and rules that require clubs to spend only according to their income" (FT.com, 2/6). In reference to EPL club Manchester City's record-setting bid for Italy Serie A club AC Milan MF Kaka last month, Platini said: "If you want to buy a boat for [US$192.2M] or a plane you can do that, but for a man? That is bad and that is why we have to do something, to create a more equal playing field." Platini added of the loan system, which has "drawn attention" due to MLS Galaxy MF David Beckham's loan to Serie A club AC Milan, "For me when you play for one club in a competition and then play for another in the same competition in the same season it is not ethical" (REUTERS, 2/6).
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