FIFA’s Post

This recent decision marks a crucial stride towards fostering unrestricted movement and growth within the global soccer community. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the inadequacies plaguing the US Soccer Federation, hinting at its imminent demise. With the sport undergoing rapid evolution, FIFA's once formidable authority is being questioned. Recent missteps in corruption, failure to control player agents highlight this shift, revealing a changing landscape in soccer governance. Anticipating the outcome of the NASL's anti-trust lawsuit, I foresee potential ramifications in the form of USSF divisional sanctioning. Should the NASL prevail, a cascade effect is expected, potentially leading to a fracture within the MLS-USSF relationship. In this scenario, it is conceivable that the MLS would opt to secede from USSF governance, eventually aquiring the USL under its umbrella and controlling the industry. These developments underscore a transformative phase in soccer administration, with far-reaching implications for the future structure and dynamics of the sport in the United States. https://lnkd.in/eRhy492G

Examining Havelange's Legacy on FIFA: A Critical Analysis of the Former President's Influence and Impact Examining Havelange's Legacy on FIFA: A Critical Analysis of the Former Preside... Read More - https://lnkd.in/d4kXvRYv

For me human rights are part of the ESG agenda

The recent actions involving the president of the Spanish Football Federation have placed a significant spotlight on the immediate necessity to address the vulnerability of athletes to sexual violence. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the lack of proper safeguarding, a concern heightened by the existing power dynamics in sports. These incidents starkly remind us that cultivating a culture rooted in respect, equity, and robust safeguarding measures is absolutely crucial. It's time for FIFA to address the sexual abuse within its member associations and champion athlete well-being, fostering a sports environment defined by integrity and accountability. https://loom.ly/kDxwwqQ

Interesting decision in #sport, with potential wider implications for dominant firms in other sectors (including digital). The CJEU found that FIFA’s and UEFA’s refusal to approve the European Super League breached competition rules, departing from the AG’s opinion that the refusal was appropriate and proportionate. As noted by other commentators, this case may represent the emergence of a new ‘essential facilities doctrine’, albeit one seemingly with a far lower threshold for intervention than previously has been the case. This has potentially serious implications for other 102 cases, digital regulation and gatekeepers, but we should be cautious in reading too much in to one judgment in the sports sector. As always, individual facts of the case (not least a firm finding of dominance), may differ from one sector to another. And it is unclear to me whether the finding that FIFA/UEFA have the ability to dictate market entry tracks to other scenarios where multiple routes to market exist. But, certainly required reading over the festive period! 🎄

In a world where the beautiful game of football (soccer) transcends borders and cultures, FIFA, the sport's international governing body, finds itself at a crossroads. The organization's potential decision to clamp down on the free movement of players between unsanctioned leagues raises several critical concerns that demand our attention. Antitrust Exposure: Unlike Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States, FIFA lacks the luxury of an antitrust exemption. Attempting to curtail player movement could thrust the organization into a legal quagmire, inviting antitrust scrutiny from authorities in various jurisdictions. Such a situation would undoubtedly tarnish FIFA's image further. Player Livelihoods: Football players, both aspiring and established, rely on the freedom to switch between leagues for their livelihoods. Restricting this mobility threatens their ability to secure contracts, gain experience, and earn a decent living. FIFA should be mindful of the dire consequences this could have on countless athletes. Anticompetitive Perceptions: In a global context where free-market principles are prized, FIFA risks being perceived as anticompetitive. Attempts to stifle player transfers could be seen as a blatant violation of these principles, inviting backlash from nations that champion competitive industries. No Monopoly on the Sport: FIFA must remember that it did not invent the game of football, nor does it hold an exclusive monopoly on it. Football is a global phenomenon, with billions of players, clubs, and fans worldwide. Any move that restricts player movement too severely could be construed as an attempt by FIFA to monopolize a sport that belongs to the people. Global Nature of Football: Football thrives on its global nature, with players from diverse backgrounds enriching the sport's tapestry. Overly stringent regulations on player transfers could disrupt this international harmony, potentially alienating fans and diminishing the sport's universal appeal. FIFA's contemplation of restricting player movement must be approached with extreme caution. The organization should prioritize the well-being of players, maintain adherence to free-market principles, and respect the global nature of the sport it governs. Failure to do so may lead to repercussions that could tarnish FIFA's reputation and erode the very essence of football itself

Saudi Arabia has implemented a smooth takeover of world football, and FIFA. Multi billion investments have purchased the influence, access and power needed to redefine the rules of bidding for World Cups, saving them at least a 12 year wait, and ensuring that contrary to policies of rotation, the 2034 male World Cup will be the second consecutive event in the Middle East. From a perspective of equity, given that the 2002 event was in East Asia (Japan/Korea) and 2022 in West Asia (Qatar), Australia and Indonesia, for example, should have been a possibility along with North Asia. That was never going to be the case, once Saudi Arabia decided to invest and sign cooperation agreements with a number of regions of the football world. It does raise issues of human rights policy compliance, an audit of which is supposed to be carried out ahead of any bid. A major reason why there must be a single bidder.

#GrassrootsFootball #LegalFrameworks #SportsGovernance Nurturing grassroots talent is vital for the future of football, but it's not just about coaching and training. Establishing robust grassroots development leagues demands navigating intricate legal and regulatory landscapes. This comprehensive article explores FIFA's role in supporting member associations through financial aid, guidelines, and capacity building to ensure compliance with laws around player safeguarding, facility development, data protection, and more. It delves into the critical legal considerations surrounding grassroots initiatives, highlighting the importance of upholding ethical practices and prioritizing player welfare. #YouthDevelopment #IntegrityInSports #FIFAForward #FootballForTheFuture

"The establishment of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance in Switzerland, seven years ago, has played a significant role in protecting integrity in sports. Since its inception SIGA has been committed to promoting reforms and setting standards in this field. UEFA signed a cooperation agreement with SIGA in 2019 to encourage collaboration and an exchange of ideas to further support the long-term integrity of sports in Europe. This agreement leverages each organisation’s strengths to instil high standards, including good governance, integrity, ethics and youth protection in football. Our collaboration has helped to create a comprehensive and objective understanding of key issues in sports integrity, as well as the engagement of relevant stakeholders to coordinate efforts in promoting sporting integrity, which contributes to personal, social and economic growth. Led by Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, SIGA has proven to be a global force that understands the challenges facing sport and, specifically, football. Addressing these threats today requires a unified action and a range of tools and strategies. SIGA is well-equipped to fulfil such a demanding role. We at UEFA value our collaboration with SIGA and the collective progress we have fostered together." Aleksander Ceferin, President of UEFA, message on the 7th Anniversary of SIGA's Constitution (31 January 2024)

Rights are important