'NEW FINANCIAL REGULATIONS ARE AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD'

Q&A with Andrea Traverso, UEFA's financial sustainability and research director

How do the new regulations relate to financial fair play (FFP)?

They are an evolution of FFP. Regulations have to be constantly adapted and monitored depending on the evolution of the market and the context in which clubs operate. But it's an important evolution, not just a cosmetic one, and an important step forward. On top of fine-tuning existing rules, we have introduced new ones – notably the squad-cost rule.

What would you say to those who feel UEFA has given up on FFP?

We certainly haven’t given up. Firstly, it’s important to recognise that the previous rules had a deep and positive impact. But, of course, they were not perfect, and it’s a natural process to adapt and improve the existing regulations. As European football’s governing body, UEFA has the duty toensure financial stability, and we will continue to do our best to enforce these new rules. It’s important to underline that they have received unanimous support across the European football community. Getting approval from so many stakeholders is a major achievement. UEFA has not drafted the rules on its own; we have done it together and in agreement with all our stakeholders.

What were the challenges of getting the whole football community behind these new rules?

It’s been a long process. A difficult one, but this is normal, because not everyone has the same interests and faces the same issues. We consistently sought to share all information, meet stakeholders regularly, listen to comments and take on feedback. With an inclusive, democratic and transparent process, you can overcome any challenges.

How are you working with clubs, national associations and leagues to aid a smooth transition?

The continuation of dialogue is key. As soon as the regulations were approved, we started to communicate bilaterally. We also organised workshops and educational forums, alongside the creation of toolkits and guidelines. We meet with clubs and associations, and we cooperate with umbrella bodies to organise joint workshops. There is an education plan in progress.

As for the rules themselves, they don’t all come into force at once but through a staggered approach. This will allow all parties to get used to them and implement them correctly.

To what extent will the regulations future-proof the long-term success of European club football?

This is our main goal. Society is only just coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many clubs find themselves in turbulent waters. Guiding them towards a sustainable path will be challenging, possibly more challenging than it’s ever been.

You can have the best regulations, but if they are not enforced, and if people are not committed to them, you won’t achieve the results you want. That’s why it’s crucial that we’ve had buy-in from the beginning. We have the full support of our stakeholders, and European institutions as well.

What's the significance of having separate regulations for the women’s game?

It’s an important step forward. Women's football has developed a lot recently, and very quickly. Some criteria existed in the former club licensing regulations, but the time has come for women's football to have its own set of rules. This will provide the right regulatory framework for development. Indeed, I expect club licensing to act as an accelerator for raising standards in women’s football.

For example, higher standards of youth education, better accessibility to quality infrastructure, higher levels of coaching diplomas and increased professionalism in managing women’s football clubs are all very important elements that will push the women’s game forward and where club licensing can play an important role and make a significant contribution.

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