Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has expressed his support for the recent ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) regarding UEFA’s control of European football. While not backing the Super League project, Klopp believes that the ruling is a necessary shake-up for the governing body.
The ECJ ruled that UEFA had been “abusing a dominant position” in its control of European football, specifically regarding its approval of new football competitions. FIFA’s and UEFA’s rules requiring prior approval for new competitions were deemed “unlawful.” This decision sheds light on the monopolistic practices within the sport’s governing bodies.
In response to the ECJ ruling, several top European clubs, including Liverpool, publicly rejected the creation of a new Super League. Liverpool released a statement affirming that their involvement in the proposed league had been discontinued, and they would continue to participate in UEFA competitions.
During a news conference, Klopp echoed Liverpool’s position on the Super League project but emphasized his delight in seeing FIFA, UEFA, and other bodies challenged. He stated that it was important for these organizations to understand that they cannot unilaterally make decisions that impact the entire footballing community without meaningful consultations.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis welcomed the ECJ ruling and criticized both FIFA and UEFA for their lack of comprehension regarding the business side of football. De Laurentiis believes that the Super League was a flawed concept, but it sparked necessary discussions about the sport’s administration and its financial aspects.
De Laurentiis expressed his concern about the age and vision of those currently governing football, referring to them as “elderly people” without an understanding of the evolving industry. He called for the involvement of entrepreneurs who can bring fresh ideas and drive revenue growth for clubs competing in Europe.
De Laurentiis criticized the previous monopoly-like governance of football, highlighting the failure of the authorities to recognize it as a business. He emphasized the need for increasing revenues and adapting to the financial realities of owning and operating a football club in the modern era.
While Klopp does not support the Super League, he welcomes the ECJ’s ruling as a shake-up for UEFA and FIFA. The judgment highlights the need for meaningful dialogue and inclusion of clubs in decision-making processes. The perspectives of Klopp and De Laurentiis shed light on the growing demand for visionary leadership and a business-oriented approach in football’s governance. With the ECJ’s ruling, there is hope for the future of the sport to be shaped by collaboration and understanding rather than unilateral control.