Gilles Tonoli’s Post

Jiaduhei 假赌黑 (fake/fixed games, illegal bets, and racketeering), well, in the emergency press release as a part of crisis PR effort, PSB and sports authorities in China announced what they have been doing to clean up the soccer mess since 2022, despite that, I failed to see the direct connection between the recent 0:7 loss to Japanese soccer team and the corruption of China’s soccer business, at least not until solid evidence is provided to prove the claim that bribery is a requirement in fact for making the list of the 22 national soccer team players. A corrupt (i.e. busy engaging in racketeering) but otherwise qualified soccer team can still be professionally solid and victorious, while a team made up of wealthy but unqualified sub-bar players bribing their way into the team will surely lose most if not all international games for sure, given that even during the best years of China’s soccer it was not that good anyway, its endeavor ended only in the 1st round of the Cup in 2002 when it was presumably honest and not plagued with Jiaduhei. --- Arxist 满芳 More evidence is needed to know if the national team players have engaged in match fixing and illegal bets on the recent China-Japan game, their habitual engagements in such illegal activities during domestic matches are relevant but not controlling in our discussion of their fate, we need a quick solution to the mess we are in as the World Cup qualification matches are underway, perhaps we should dismiss the entire team and if not too late we usher in a national team by open votes via mass participation of soccer fans in China, and better yet, dismiss the bureaucracy that has been overhanging above the soccer affairs for the last few decades, let non-bureaucrat-run/fan-funded soccer associations have their say as to who to represent the 1.4 billion angry people, mostly men. ---- 满芳 Arxist Or, we have a pre-World Cup players qualification elimination game, letting 1-2 team from each provinces go at each other, the winner takes all, but only 11 players from that winning team are enlisted, the other 11 comes from losing teams by fan votes or by merit scores during the elimination game. There is nothing under PRC laws and regulations would prevent this from becoming a reality, except the government endorsement must be secured asap, details to be ironed out with FIFA on the national level, if we wish to make a difference in the outcome of the current World Cup qualification games, drastic measures are imperative, afterall, soccer is a private matter when boiled down to its real meaning, let people who breath and cry over soccer identify, vote and fund their ideal men. --- 满芳 Arxist

The Diarra decision will go down in the sports law books as one of the leading judgements not be cause it broke new ground, but it reaffirmed existing principles at a time when perhaps the authorities were becoming forgetful ... Infact the decision does confirm that the FIFA and UEFA rules must necessarily also follow competition laws, a principle first enunciated by the ex Commissioner Mario Monti over 20 years ago. It goes on the enunciate that the claims by sports bodies that sports should be given a special treatment in matters affecting the livelihood of players have no legal or legitimate basis. The decision will have far reaching effects, and we next await the positions of the various affected parties. Does the Diarra decision impact Maltese sports? Perhaps some may think erroneously that the decision at EU level will have no impact on Maltese local sports rules. I beg to differ, first because any decision of the ECJ is directly enforceable in Malta and also because it constitutes a source of law for our courts and authorities. The Maltese Director of Competition on its own initiative, or on the compliant of any interested party, including the Government, could investigate the existing MFA rules and should reach the same conclusion that any rules in breach of competition or in restraint of trade, which limit the ability of local players to work, are illegal. Rules such as the retained players list, or any obligation on players returning to play in Malta after a transfer to return to their previous club, just to mention a couple, have no more room in the modern football world and need to be abolished. I am confident that any Maltese court of law seized with any such matter will also reach a similar decision. The decision may also have ramifications for the youth and amateur players as any limit on the ability of amateur players to become employed, or continue their career falls squarely under the same scrutiny mechanism and needs to go. In my opinion its time for the Maltese football community to get together and rethink its current set up, modernize same, up the management structures, etc ... their is no more room for complacency and for allowing that rules and processes that were introduced 50 years still have a hold on Maltese football. I hope the social partners involved in Maltese football can use this decision to look forward with courage, and stop looking backwards. If not they might be forced to do so soon by higher authorities as is now the case at EU level. One further note of caution to other Maltese sports bodies to heed to winds of change and progress, as the decision may impact all those sports where players are professionals or are paid a wage, including the local basketball and waterpolo games. Please note the above are the thoughts of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Committees or Associations of which I form part.

Brazil to Host 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Brazil has been awarded the honor of hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, marking the first time this event will take place in South America. Brazil won the hosting rights with 119 votes, outpacing the joint bid from Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany, which garnered 78 votes. “This is a win for women’s football in South America, and for women’s football everywhere which FIFA works every day to improve and strengthen,” said Ednaldo Rodrigues, President of the Brazilian Football Association (CBF). He expressed confidence in Brazil’s ability to stage an extraordinary tournament, inviting the world to experience the country’s famed hospitality. The 2027 tournament will build on the success of previous editions, including the record-breaking 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This event will further elevate the profile of women’s football, contributing to its growth and popularity worldwide. For the first time, a FIFA Congress has voted on the hosts of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, highlighting the growing significance of the women’s game. The Congress saw participation from all 211 FIFA Member Associations. The Congress opened with a warm welcome from Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, and an address by Nualphan Lamsam (Madame Pang), the first female president of an Asian member association. Their speeches set a tone of progress and inclusivity, resonating with the themes of the Congress. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized FIFA’s commitment to expanding football’s reach and providing more opportunities for competitive play worldwide. He announced new initiatives, including expanded youth tournaments and the proposal of an U-15 football festival to be open to teams from all member associations. “Our duty is to offer more opportunities everywhere in the world, the opportunity to play, dream, be involved and, sometimes, change life,” he stated, highlighting FIFA’s broader mission to foster human development through football. The Congress culminated with the announcement of a comprehensive anti-racism plan. This initiative, to be implemented across all member associations, is structured around five pillars: rules and sanctions, action on the pitch, criminal charges, education, and players’ voices. A poignant video featuring high-profile players making the cross-arm gesture—proposed as a universal signal against racism during games—was shown, emphasizing the global fight against racism in f ootball. Infantino revealed that the anti-racism strategy had been developed in consultation with players worldwide, ensuring that it is informed by their experiences and insights. “Our duty is to offer more opportunities everywhere in the world, the opportunity to play, dream, be involved and, sometimes, change life,” he concluded, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to both the sport and…

⁉ A Bosman in Arab Football? For decades following the Bosman Ruling and the removal of quotas on EU players, European football clubs have reaped the benefits of unrestricted movement among EU nationals. This liberation has empowered clubs to recruit talent from across the continent, creating a rich pool of players to choose from. This single regulatory adjustment has singlehandedly significantly elevated the standard of European football. On the opposite shores of the Mediterranean, Wydad Athletic Club - wac this season boasted a squad comprising players from Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania, alongside Moroccan athletes, all under a Tunisian head coach. Given these considerations, one wonders why North African leagues or Arab Leagues in general haven't embraced a similar arrangement, given its unequivocal success elsewhere. While individual moves in this direction have surfaced, notably in Egypt and later Tunisia, such initiatives have faltered for various reasons. Nonetheless, there is optimism as Morocco prepares to trial this approach from the upcoming season. What lessons can be gleaned from both the North African and European experiences? 🧐 In Europe, several key elements contributed to the success of this practice: 👇 ✅ The application of the ruling across EU countries, ensuring conformity with EU law and creating a level playing field across European leagues. ✅ Granting players greater freedom of movement, thereby enabling clubs to recruit talent without hindrance. ✅ Encouraging leagues and clubs to innovate and compete fiercely for top-tier players. ✅ Providing increased opportunities for overseas and youth players. ✅ Cultivating an ecosystem that not only generated more revenue but also fostered the development of the game. Conversely, in Tunisia, several factors led to the failure of this practice: 👇 ❌ Heavy reliance on Algerian & Libyan players by Tunisian clubs, resulting in a neglect of domestic talent development and subsequent scrutiny. ❌ The absence of a unified structure, allowing North African players to compete in Tunisia without restriction, while Tunisian players faced barriers elsewhere, especially preventing Tunisian youth players from participation. ❌ The migration of top players from the Algerian league to prominent Tunisian clubs, diminishing the quality of the former. Nevertheless, Tunisian clubs reaped huge benefits from the inclusion of high-quality North African players, exemplified by Esperance's dominance in African competitions during this period when they fielded 7 Algerian & 1 Libyan players. The overarching lesson is clear: 👇 Crafting a North African/Arab Ecosystem modeled after the European paradigm, but tailored to the unique demands of Arab football, could significantly elevate the standard of Arab leagues and bolster the development of young Arab players. This approach promises to foster more competitive leagues and present clubs with a vast talent pool, encompassing all 22 UAFA members.

When I was 15, I was lucky to have the chance to realize my dream of becoming a pro soccer player and sign with a French 1st Division Academy. But it took another 15 years-after a law degree with extensive studies in EU, antitrust, and sports law-to learn why the offer was (correctly) rescinded: FIFA's prohibition on the international transfer of minors had come into effect in 2001, just 2 months earlier. Now 25 year later, it's coming full circle, highlighting the ways the prohibition has evolved and the challenges it still presents. When my neighbors moved back to Denmark last summer to be near family, their 10-year old left Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club and tried to register with a local team. Months later he still cannot play until a team of lawyers from FIFA and the US and Danish soccer governing bodies approve the transfer. And they are just the latest family to ask for help understanding how this all works. At a personal level, it's hard to reconcile how a system laudably set up to prevent the exploitation of young, largely African and South American players by European agents and clubs has the effect of stifling the dreams of middle class kids. That even with our privileged upbringing, we are not wealthy enough to leverage the loopholes in the system. So can you imagine how hard it is for kids without those privileges? But that is the challenge FIFA faces trying to regulate the world's most popular game - in countries with billions of people, to ones with thousands. From billion dollar clubs, to grassroots ones like ours. No one-size-fits-all approach works, so exceptions are needed (and inevitably abused.) Particularly given our club's diverse membership, and location in the heart of the cosmopolitan but highly transient Silicon Valley, our role within this global ecosystem is to continuously educate our members, while also advocating for changes to benefit them. And this extends beyond FIFA regulations to many aspects of life. Because we are, first and foremost, an educational organization - we just use soccer as our medium. And while millions of dollars will continue to pour into the U.S. game as it grows at all levels - MLS, NWSL, the 2026 World Cup - youth soccer clubs should never forget this responsibility we have to our players, families, and communities. #fifa #ussoccer #youthsports #sportforgood

Ever wondered why it is common for clubs to sign minors from different countries even before they reach 18 years of age? Well, look no further. The answer to this question lies in the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (2023 Edition). These regulations mostly covers the status of players' and their eligibility to participate in association football as well as their transfer between clubs in different Member Associations. According to FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, the general rule is that only players over the age of 18 can be transferred to clubs in different Member Associations. The transfer of a minor can still be permitted under the following circumstance: 1. Where the parents of the minor/player moves to a new country for reasons not linked to football. 2. Where the player is within 16-18 years of age and the transfer takes place within the European Union or European Economic Area 3. Where the transfer takes place in the territory of the same country. For instance, the transfer of a minor from the Football Association of Wales to the Football Association is permitted since both Associations are domiciled in one country. 4. Where the player and the club he intends to sign for are no more than 50km farther from the border of the neighbouring association. 5. Where the player flees his home country for humanitarian reasons 6. The player is a student and moves without his parents to another country temporarily for academic reasons. Noncompliance to the aforesaid regulations would generally result in the minor being ineligible to play for the club. The transfer of Takefusa Kubo from Kawasaki Frontale to FC Barcelona in 2011 is a fitting example. FC Barcelona signed the Japanese international at the age of 10. However, they breached FIFA's policy regarding the transfer of minors thus making him ineligible to play for Barcelona. Kubo had to return to his homeland in search of regular game time. In another scenario, Chelsea was hit with a two-window transfer ban by football's governing body; FIFA. This ban was a response to Chelsea's breach of the regulations on transfer of minors. The club claimed that many of its academy players were only "trialists" but Bertrand Traore one of the "trialists" had participated in organised tournaments. Fortunately for both Bertrand Traore and Takefusa Kubo, they've both reignited their careers and continue to compete at the top-level with both players currently playing for Spanish sides, Real Sociedad and Villareal respectively. #football #FIFA

🏟️ We are thrilled to announce the publication of our article, "Understanding Resident Support Towards the 2030 FIFA World Cup: A Co-Hosting Country’s Perspective," co-authored with Victor Almeida, in the #EuropeanSportManagementQuarterly (ESMQ). 📖 Our research explores the Portuguese residents' perceptions of the 2030 FIFA World Cup within the frameworks of agency theory and social exchange theory. 🔍 Key Highlights: - The Portuguese Football Federation (PFF) plays a vital role in fostering support, while trust in the government is notably weaker. - Strong principal–agent dynamics between residents and the PFF can significantly boost event support. - Co-hosting introduces complexities, including shared benefits and risks, but residents feel the social value of the event is diminished in this multi-nation setup. 🌍 Implications: The findings highlight the importance of strengthening relationships between organizers and residents, addressing trust deficits, and involving communities in decision-making to enhance legitimacy and support. The Portuguese government should take proactive steps to rebuild trust and foster stronger relationships with its citizens: - Enhance Transparency and Communication - Engage Residents in Decision-Making - Establish advisory committees with representation from local communities to give citizens a voice in key decisions. - Leverage the Portuguese Football Federation (PFF) - Address Political Concerns (including FIFA's decision) - Tackle perceptions of inefficiency and corruption by committing to accountability measures and independent oversight of event-related spending. 🔗 Read the full study for a deeper dive: https://lnkd.in/d9SJEaQt 💬 What are your thoughts on the role of public support in shaping successful mega-events? Let’s discuss

‘No cap on agent fees’ – a major blow to FIFA Football Agents Regulations. Sports Law Counsel Manal Rmeity has summed it up in her LinkedIn post ‘German Football Agents Regulations. Restructuring the Representation of Players and Coaches.’ Have a look at the 4th paragraph: ‘In a notable deviation from FIFA’s regulations, the DFB FAR does not impose a cap on agent fees.’ This is what this story is all about – bucks. Apart from all the collateral demands to be adjusted and laid forth in the preliminary injunction granted by the Landgericht Dortmund Jan 2023 in favor of the German agents – the rebels in the hood – this decision by the DBF is a major blow to FIFA. We all know how FIFA works. They seem to enjoy creating rules of their own, regardless, believing they can dominate the football industry as it pleases them. The monumental commissions charged by major agents like Mino Raiola (deceased), Jorge Mendes or Steve Barnett, just to name a few of those who control the market, created envy and jealousy at FIFAstrasse. And those ‘brilliant brains’ in the House came up with the idea of creating a Clearing House, where all financial operations carried out by agents must be reported prior to be cleared, other than imposing a 3% cap on the fee. That was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. Messing with agents’ money was a huge step that major agencies simply did not accept. The powerful German agents’ industry – one of the most important in Europe - went mad and lodged a complaint in a civil court concerning this abusive and – in line with EU regulations – contestable measure. The case has not been judged yet and, in the meantime, Zurich humbly bowed: the FIFA Football Agents Regulations (FFAR) has been put on hold worldwide until a final decision is rendered. Or at least some of their articles – the most important one concerning the cap fee. Another point put forward by Rmeity in her article: ‘The cornerstone of the DBF FAR is the mandatory requirement for all football agents to obtain a FIFA Football Agent License’. So, on one hand, German agents must have a FIFA license that so far imposes a 3% cap fee; on the other, they have their own regulation that states ‘no cap fee’. Let’s wait and see what Emilio Garcia Silvero, the young executive that FIFA picked from Spain and promoted to Chief&Compliance officer, will pull off his sleeve to sort out this issue. But at this pace, it looks like the FFAR is stillborn. #footballagents #fifa #fees #gianniinfantino

⚽️ Sport and competition law aficionados will have seen in the news yesterday that FIFPRO and European Leagues have filed an abuse of dominant complaint (Article 102 TFEU) before the European Commission over FIFA’s abusive international calendar. 💡This complaint comes in the aftermath of recent Court of Justice of the European Union rulings in the sport sector (e.g. European Super League, Diarra, Royal Antwerp) which have set out (i) the standards and conditions that sport governing bodies such as FIFA and UEFA must meet and operate within (in particular on potential conflicts of interest), and (ii) a framework to assess potential restrictions of competition resulting from rules imposed by sport governing bodies. 🔑 We can only rely on the press releases at this stage, but it looks like the alleged abusive conduct comes from (i) the absence of role given to player union and league representatives in the FIFA decision-making profess on calendar-related matters (absence of appropriate safeguards), and (ii) the impact of an “unsustainable football calendar” on the health and well being of football players, and the “economic and social sustainability and stability of important national competitions” (effect on competition). Sport governing bodies are increasingly being challenged on the basis of EU competition rules. Hopefully relevant stakeholders can find a way to save the “Beautiful Game”.

Man City and the Premier League in a defining moment of the English football lock horns, as City club face alleged 115 charges for breaking rules of the competition having recently achieved unprecedented fourth straight English titles. The build up to these charges have created uneasy atmosphere around the club, with the manager, recently said he is happy that finally the charges now set to began, which is scheduled to start on Monday, 16 September 2024. It is a legal moment in English football that will shape and change the whole outlook of the competition, the effect it will have will either improve the league or put it in a scrutiny that would be dangerous for its image. Man City and the Premier League expected to know the outcome of the case, as early as first quarter of 2025, depending on a lot of factors. World of sports will be watching dubbed ‘trial of the century’ the aftermath will be highly anticipated. Man City have been accused of irregularities that have spanned for 14 seasons, in a competition they have carved a niche for themselves, created identity and dominated for long, if found guilty the Etihad Club might face possible relegation or excommunicated from the Premier League. Man City owner, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Royal whose businesses spanned across five continents with more than a dozen football teams. When the tempo was starting to build around this alleged charges, Pep Guardiola, has reemphasized on number of press conferences that the club have assured him that, there is no wrong committed, a case that will be determined by an independent body, definitely not between Pep and his employers. It will be catastrophic if City are found liable for the wrong alleged against them, it will not only be a sad end to beautiful journey, especially for Cityzens who have turned Etihad Stadium to second home and have solidify over the years their dominance and rightly claim that Manchester is blue as the bragging rights with their neighbour subsists. If discharged of any wrong committed, it will be a moment of vindication for Man City. A decade ago City were penalised for breaching UEFA financial rules, Premier League authorities are desperate to get over this City’s case that has been hanging around for up to 6 years. The Manchester club have been accused of 54x Failure to provide accurate financial information 2009-10 to 2017-18. 14x Failure to provide accurate details for player and manager payments from 2009-10 to 2017-18. 5x Failure to comply with Uefa’s rules including... continue reading https://lnkd.in/gVRgvcYY #mancity #Manchester #Cityzens #etihad #PremierLeague #EnglishLeague #115charges #FinancialFairPlay #legalbattle