UEFA: Risks of Changing Multiple Club Ownership Rules

UEFA is examining regulations regarding multiple ownership in football clubs. Andrea Traverso, UEFA's director of research and financial sustainability, warned of the risks involved in any changes.

Speaking at the “Financial Times Business of Football Summit” in London, he stressed that the rules created in the late 1990s aim to protect the integrity of competitions. According to these, the same owner cannot control more than one club in the same competition.

Traverso explained that a change requires careful evaluation, considering the practical implications and the perception of fans. The integrity of matches is important.

Another issue is the implementation of the new Financial Fair Play regulations, especially regarding the “squad cost ratio”. There is gradual improvement, with the wage-to-revenue ratio decreasing. UEFA can only regulate clubs in European competitions.

Club licensing rules are applied more consistently, but financial regulation is more complex. Spain has restrictive measures, while Italy has introduced the 70% rule for squad costs. In England, the Premier League has a limit of 85% of revenue for player expenses.

UEFA emphasizes that multiple ownership rules and Financial Fair Play are critical tools.