Medeiros then shifted the focus of his presentation to the role of the EPFL going forward. He discussed a new era of greater trust and understanding between all members of the European football family, the role of football as a key to social development, the importance of caring for young players and the 'reconciliation between a changing legal and business environment with sport's traditional values'.

Medeiros explained the pride that the EPFL takes from the ability of its leagues and their clubs to generate income. 'Only when leagues and clubs are able to generate income and ensure their own economic viability, only then will leagues and clubs be able to pursue their social role to the full... but for us the integrity of the game comes always first and this means that in our view, long-term business opportunities will only be sustainable if football preserves its essence. If football's first goal continues to be the quality of the game, then audiences and money will naturally flow, but if the aim is just to export the game and make money, with no regard for the fans, ethics, solidarity or social responsibility, then football itself will suffer and so too will the profitability of the business.'

The EPFL does recognize the concerns regarding ownership of clubs, foreign investment, erosion of regional identity of clubs and their indebtedness, but it will not, Medeiros insists, react emotionally. It will instead deal with these 'serious and delicate matters' when and where appropriate without contributing to a heightening level of hysteria about the future of the game.

The challenges for professional football in Europe are changing and are no longer confined to the geographic limits of the continent and a global approach is required with sound dialogue and greater cooperation between all bodies. The EPFL will attempt to facilitate this dialogue and cooperation seeking as Medeiros says, 'evolution and not revolution'.

While much has taken place over the course of the past eight months, the position of the EPFL as articulated by its CEO, provides a blueprint for the role that leagues and clubs wish to see political bodies fulfil in relation to professional football. The Chairman of the EPFL and the Premier League, Sir Dave Richards, will speak during Leaders in Football this year, and the topics of paramount importance to both organizations will be discussed by he and other speakers throughout the event.

Copyright 2008 EPFL
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In line with the objective of promoting knowledge sharing and facilitating the exchange of information between Members and Associate Members and relevant stakeholders, the EPFL launched a Cycle of Conferences on “The Future of professional Football in Europe”.

These Conferences provide an excellent platform for updates about the value of football...More >