Brussels, 30/03/2005
After due consideration by its executive committee, the ETUC today called on the European Commission and the European Parliament not to accept the argument of UEFA that there should be a “sports” exception to the principle of EU wide freedom of movement of labour.
Instead questions about the transfer system and other issues should be the subject of social dialogue between representatives of clubs and players. Players are internationally represented by FIFPro and clubs in Europe have through EPFL established what seems to be the counterpart on the clubs side. But also other stakeholders such as UEFA, FIFA, the national leagues, the G14 group of prominent clubs, national football associations and the national players' unions have a role to play in the Social Dialogue.
Social dialogue, not an extension of UEFA and FIFA control is the way forward.