FIFA reform proposals leave club association underwhelmed
Friday 4 December 2015 13:48, UK
The European Club Association (ECA) has warned that its members are no longer to prepared to be 'further ignored' following the reform proposals put forward by FIFA's Reform Committee.
Measures including more financial accountability and maximum three-term presidential limits were put forward as part of a package of reforms but the ECA feel their members should have had greater input into the process.
The ECA were particularly taken aback by a recommendation for the World Cup to be expanded from 32 teams to 40 teams in time for the 2026 tournament.
"It must be recognised that clubs invest heavily in the development of players that are eventually made available to national associations (more than 75% of the 2014 FIFA World Cup players were released by European clubs)," the statement read.
"The creation of a football stakeholders' committee does not address the lack of proper and meaningful stakeholder participation in FIFA's decision-making process.
"In addition, the recommendation by the Committee to enhance the number of participating teams in the FIFA World Cup from 32 to 40 without prior consultation with the clubs (in full knowledge of the impact this will have on the professional club game), is proof that the proposed reforms are not at the required standard allowing for a new and modern FIFA.
"ECA believes that rather than reduce the risk of tension within the football family, the proposed recommendations will only lead to increased frustration among stakeholders.
"ECA had misgivings towards the manner in which FIFA managed this reform process, but agreed to give FIFA the benefit of the doubt believing that it was serious in its attempt to modernise the governance of world football.
"However, given the recommendations that have now been presented, ECA was right to believe that a reform process led from within is unable to deliver a sustainable governance model, which is fit for the 21st century.
"ECA will now take the required time to assess how it wishes to position itself in relation to this latest development leaving all options open. Clubs are not prepared to be further ignored."
