Lawmakers highlight solidarity, merit-based competitions and stakeholder inclusion as key strengths of Europe’s unique football model
Speaking on behalf of over 450 million citizens across 27 member states, the EU Parliament today adopted a landmark resolution on “the role of EU policies in strengthening the European Sports Model”, led by Polish MEP and former Minister for Culture Bogdan Zdrojewski.
UEFA welcomes this development as a clear commitment to protect and strengthen the principles that define football in Europe: solidarity, open competitions, sporting merit, sustainability, inclusiveness, integrity and territoriality.
Beyond defending the existing model, the EU Parliament aligns strongly with UEFA’s vision for the future. It underlines that access to European competitions must be earned on the pitch through annual domestic performance, that the healthy balance between club and national team football must be safeguarded, and that domestic league matches should belong in their home territories.
The resolution highlights the importance of solidarity and fair redistribution, echoing recent reforms to significantly enhance these mechanisms in European football. It further calls for cross-league redistribution, reinforcing the long-standing view that solidarity must be a joint, collective effort across the entire football ecosystem.
Additionally, the resolution reiterates EU lawmakers’ firm opposition to breakaway schemes and profit-driven experiments that seek to tear apart the fabric of European sport.
MEPs also back the leading steps taken in European football to involve a wider range of stakeholders in decision-making – from players and fans to clubs, leagues and national associations – including the work underway in the EU Social Dialogue Committee on major issues such as the transfer system and player’s health and safety.
Taken together, this resolution stands as a strong political endorsement of the model of governance and reform agenda driven together with national football associations and stakeholders alike. It reinforces UEFA’s role as a modern, responsible governing body and provides renewed momentum to increase participation, grow the game sustainably, and expand its reach and impact.
Commenting on the adoption of the report, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said:
“The European Parliament has once again delivered a clear and powerful message on behalf of EU citizens: Europe stands up for its football model, which serves society as a whole, not just the profit of a few.
“Football is a unique European success story. It is now time for the EU and national governments to further support it by providing the safeguards needed to ensure it continues to lead globally while staying rooted in communities”.
UEFA will continue to work closely with EU institutions and the football community to implement the principles reflected in this resolution and ensure that football remains a force for unity, innovation and social impact across Europe – inspiring and connecting citizens for the generations to come.
