The EPFL Board of Directors in Madrid

As a result of the meeting of the EPFL Board of Directors that was held on 11 February in Madrid at the headquarters of the Spanish Football League the Association of European Professional Football Leagues  made several statements:

In the context of recent speculation proclaiming possible revolutionary changes in the international calendar, such as the so-called winter 2022 World Cup in Qatar and pressures to reduce the number of clubs competing in the national leagues, the EPFL calls FIFA to review their decision-making process and consider opinions of all stakeholders. The EPFL made clear that they will not tolerate any decision being taken regarding the international match calendar without their previous consultation and agreement and will oppose any interference on matters of their exclusive competence such as the size of national leagues.

- The EPFL supports the English Premier League in terms of protection of intellectual property rights regarded as the main income source of the whole sport movement and hopes that the opinion expressed by the Advocate General Kokott will not impact th final decision of the European Court of Justice.   

- The EPFL Board of Directors supported the Spanish League in respect of their position to cease the Spanish government`s imposed obligation to broadcast one match per weekend on free-to-air television without any financial compensation. 

- The EPFL has also reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with national Governments and the European Commission to establish a clear framework and a consistent and efficient enforcement regime to efficiently combat illegal betting, while ensuring the indispensable protection to competition organiser’s intellectual property rights in order to ensure the economic viability not only of Professional Football but the whole European sport.