Although FIFA considers third-party ownership illegal, Spain's National Commission of Markets & Competition (CNMC) ruled that in Spain, "investment funds can act freely because prohibiting them would be an unconstitutional measure." The CNMC said, "The lower compensation and generation of talent will mean less competition and quality in the sector, which will end up damaging the well being of the consumer." Both UEFA and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) are aligned with FIFA in its "fight against investment funds," which is in conflict with the the position of La Liga, whose president, Javier Tebas, has "shown a willingness to defend in court the legality" of TPO (MARCA, 7/17). ... UEFA President Michel Platini "wants to stop top teams stockpiling the best players to ensure football remains competitive." He "wants to force clubs to use more homegrown players." Eight "are currently required in 25-man Champions League squads." Platini said, "What is important in the future is to limit the possibility to have the best players in one team. That is important for competition" (AP, 7/19). ... The head of Ireland's FA said that "he wishes he got more" than the €5M FIFA paid Ireland "to avoid a legal case over a controversial World Cup playoff defeat in 2009."
Ireland "was dragged into the FIFA corruption storm" last month when it was revealed that the FAI "received the payment following complaints over how FIFA handled the defeat to France."
FAI CEO John Delaney:
"I've said it before and I will say it again, it was a good business deal and used entirely by us to develop Irish football. I wish we could have got more" (REUTERS, 7/19).
