There were, and possibly still are, members of the European Parliament who believe in the adage that a soccer player is a person whose brains begin in the toes and end at the knees. The skepticism toward an ex-player pleading the case that soccer needs what sports get in the US — some acknowledgment of their special place in society, some freedom to develop their own laws — was palpable.
However, in September the European Commission held a conference on licensing systems for club competitions. This conference, for all sports, broadly supported Platini’s determination to bring big teams within Europe in a scheme to regulate the spending of clubs.
Perhaps just as surprising as the EU arguing the case for UEFA’s new proposals was the fact that Platini’s proposal was backed by leading clubs.
“I am nothing, just one man,” Platini said. “But I was elected by the national associations because I promised to make financial fair play in soccer. I don’t want to be above the law, I know that we could lose in the courts if clubs use lawyers to stop us imposing limitations. I asked the politicians to help protect us, if they trust what we are doing.”
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