June 19 – FIFA and UEFA have expressed opposition to an Italian government plan to set up a committee to oversee the budgets of professional clubs.
Speaking at a parliamentary hearing, the head of Italy’s FA (FIGC) Gabriele Gravina told lawmakers the FIGC had received an email on Monday from both bodies.
He said the missive urged the Italian FA “to pressure the government to backtrack on this measure that violates the autonomy of sports.”
“We confirm that a letter signed by UEFA and FIFA was sent to FIGC in relation to the decree,” UEFA confirmed in an emailed statement to Reuters.
“Both organisations will continue to closely monitor developments and will assess the need for further action if necessary,” it added.
The government move to oversee the budgets of professional sports clubs followed a string of financial and regulatory problems suffered by major clubs in recent years.
Juventus, controlled by the Agnelli family, were the most high profile casualty, suffering a 10-point deduction in Serie A in the 2022/2023 season and a ban from European competition in 2023-24 after accounting issues.
FIFA forbids government interference in the affairs of national footballing bodies though in some cases there are subtle differences and inconsistencies.
For instance, without any objections from FIFA the British government have set up an independent regulator to oversee English professional football in an effort to ensure financial sustainability.
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