UEFA and FIFPro call for stronger ban on third-party ownership

UEFA and players' union FIFPro want a tougher worldwide ban on third-party investors owning players' transfer rights.

FIFA's ban comes into force on May 1 but FIFPro and UEFA have jointly filed a legal action asking the European Commission to outlaw the practice.

The complaint counters an earlier protest against the FIFA ban filed to the commission by the leagues in Spain and Portugal, where the investment model is used regularly.

UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino said: "Third-party player ownership is a kind of modern slavery, where you see players belonging to investment funds, or other, generally unidentified, corporate entities.”

FIFPro said the complaint would "ensure any potential loopholes and windows for circumvention of the new regulations put forth by FIFA are closed."

A FIFA spokesperson told Sky Sports News HQ: “FIFA firmly believes that a prohibition on TPO is fully justified and lawful under EU law.

FIFA is currently preparing its own observations to be lodged with the EU Commission on the complaints lodged on this matter by the Portuguese and Spanish Leagues.

FIFA welcomes all initiatives which expose TPO's harmful effects on football and its essential values.”

Third-party ownership is banned in some European countries but has been popular with agents and clubs in Latin America, Spain and Portugal. They argue it allows clubs to sign players who would otherwise be unaffordable.

The leagues' complaint argues that FIFA's ban "violates rules protecting competition," and hurts clubs "with fewer economic resources."

Critics say third-party ownership encourages players to be transferred for profit-taking and threatens the game's integrity.

FIFA agreed to ban the practice after a two-year campaign by UEFA.