FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.11.2007 19:37

Significant progress

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At the meeting of the UEFA Strategic Commission held this Monday in Nyon (Switzerland), major progress was made in the interests of the clubs, and therefore Barça.

The meeting was attended by four UEFA vice presidents, four representatives of European professional football leagues, four members of the European Forum of Clubs and four members of the European Division of the FIFPRO players’ union. The participants discussed the format of the Champions League, the international fixture list, compensation to clubs when their players are on international duty and the participation of clubs on UEFA commissions.

Format for accessing the Champions League

The UEFA Strategic Commission unanimously decided to make a proposal concerning the format of the Champions league to the UEFA Executive Committee. Michel Platini, the president of UEFA, has suggested a more open and democratic competition in the interests of all clubs and leagues in order to protect the quality of the tournament.

International fixture list

The meeting also examined the clubs’ desire for a more satisfying international programme. The Strategic Commission made its ideas known and on Thursday, when they meet with FIFA, they will be requesting a series of compromises, based on various observations and recommendations.

Financial compensation

Another of the issues examined in Nyon was compensation for clubs when their players are on international duty. Here again, a series of ideas were put forward and at the meeting with FIFA, the clubs will be hoping to reach a favourable agreement.

Club participation

The clubs feel that they have a greater say in UEFA affairs since Platini became president. An example of this is the presence of four clubs among the members of this Strategic Commission, something that would have been unheard of under the previous mandate. This is hopefully a step in the right direction towards greater club representation in the administration of European football.