Brazilian Clubs Say Third Party Ownership Ban Would Hurt Financial Stability

The debate over the subject of third-party ownership in football "has taken a fresh twist with a group of Brazilian clubs claiming that a move to outlaw such practices would negatively impact their financial status," according to SOCCEREX. The 21 clubs, which include reigning Brasileiro champion Fluminense, along with Flamengo, Internacional and Santos, "have sent an open letter to FIFA expressing their concerns." The clubs' move comes after UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino last month stated that the controversial practice of third-party ownership has "no place" in football. Infantino said that European football's governing body is against third-party ownership due to four key factors, "including its potential impact on financial fair play regulations." The clubs said in the letter, "The ban -- as proposed by UEFA -- could impact the finances of the Brazilian and South American clubs negatively, as well as the flow of the international transfers of players between South America and Europe" (SOCCEREX, 4/26).