April 2 – FIFA president Sepp Blatter has been softening his stance over criticising European clubs for having too much power and is “ready to change” as he approaches the presidential election in May, according to the head of the European Club Association.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, whose organisation represents more than 200 clubs, believes the club-versus-country row with FIFA is now receding, leading to a far better atmosphere than in the past.
“In discussions we’ve had I always had the impression he [Blatter] was a bit upset about the fact he is criticised by the media as a whole,” Rummenigge, who has previously called for change at the top of the FIFA, told the BBC.
“He’s ready to change. So I’m not so pessimistic about him. I’m quite optimistic that in FIFA things are changing in a good way.”
Rummenigge made his latest comments after announcing significant new deals with both FIFA and UEFA that will increase compensation for European clubs who release players for international tournaments.
FIFA announced last month that clubs will share three times the current deal for providing players for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar.
“We’re still totally ready to support national team football and, in exchange, we’re getting this kind of money and governance back, which is a huge step for the recognition of club football in Europe,” said Rummenigge.
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