Exclusive: We will throw out top clubs who overspend, warns UEFA watchdog

By Andrew Warshaw in Geneva

September 6 – The man charged by European football with making sure clubs spend within their means has re-iterated they could be thrown out of European competition if they fail to balance the books.

Former Belgian Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene today briefed members of the European Club Association (ECA), the grouping of some 150 clubs from across the Continent, on the first day of their two-day annual meeting.

Dehaene is the independent chairman of UEFA’ss new financial control panel, controversial brainchild of UEFA President Michel Platini and aimed at curbing the financial excesses that have brought a considerable number of clubs into difficulty in recent times.

The initiative will be phased in over the next two years, with specific criteria becoming mandatory from the beginning of the 2013-2014 when the so-called break-even rule will be applied, with sanctions imposed against clubs who have overspent.

“I reminded the clubs that the next two years will be very important in terms of managing their finances,” Deheane told insideworldfootball after the briefing.

“The idea of breaking even with their football-related income will oblige them to restrain themselves in terms of transfers and the salaries of players.

“I have had nothing but support from the clubs.

“They see that rules are necessary to safeguard football and provide a more level playing field.

“They also know that the ultimate sanction is that they cannot play in European competition.

“The fact that this year alone Mallorca were thrown out [of the Europa League] was an example that this is serious.

“That’s why the next two years are so important - so that the clubs can adapt.”

The appearance of Dehaene (pictured) in front of executives from the entire spectrum of European professional football was the main item on today’s agenda and went down well with ECA delegates, many of whom feared privately they would be singled out for special treatment when the new rules kick in.

“It was good hear that everyone would be treated the same way and there would be no favouritism,” said one leading English club director.

“Deheane stressed the fact that he and his panel is totally independent which put us all at ease.”

The agenda tomorrow will focus on the establishment of a new 15-man ECA Board representing clubs of all levels at the top table of discussions over the sport’s most pressing issues.

It is also expected that calls will be made for insurance payments to be provided by FIFA and UEFA to national associations to cover players who get injured on international duty.

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