An “existential threat”. This is how the coronavirus pandemic and its direct consequences on the world of sport, with the stagnation of most of the competitions, are qualified by the European Association of Clubs (ECA). In a letter to its members (more than 200) that the Reuters agency was able to consult, the body headed by the Italian Andrea Agnelli, also president of Juventus, expresses its deep concern about the current period.
Discussions with UEFA on financial fair play
“We are all facing a real existential threat. Football is now at a standstill, as are our sources of income on which we depend to pay our players, staff and other operating costs. Responding to these concerns will be the greatest challenge facing our game and our industry, “said ECA.
In her letter, she indicates that she is having “active” discussions with UEFA to try to loosen soon the rules of financial fair play, implemented in 2011 to prevent clubs from spending more than they earn and to supervise the capital injections from the owners.
These negotiations are part of a strategy aimed at “helping clubs manage their finances in this period of crisis”. Some have taken the lead like FC Barcelona, which formalized Thursday evening the general drop in salaries for its staff, including players. In Ligue 1, several teams have decided to put their workforce on short-time work in an attempt to limit the economic impact linked to the suspension of the championship.
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