WRITTEN QUESTION E-1054/01 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission. Transfer of footballers - Solidarity fund.
Date: 2001-04-05
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: professional sport, sports body

4.12.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 340 E/157

Answer givern by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 2001)

The Commission maintains its position, as set out in its answer to the Honourable Member(cid:146)s Written
Question E-3535/00, that Community law provisions on free movement of workers apply to all Union
citizens who have reached the minimum age fixed by the host Member State for access to its labour
market, including sports activities.

This was reflected in the outcome of the discussions between the Commission and International Federation
of Football Associations/Union of European Football Associations (FIFA/UEFA) where it was stated that
international transfers of players aged under 18 will be allowed subject to certain conditions aimed at
ensuring their protection. It should be recalled that FIFA/UEFA were, at first, in favour of prohibiting such
transfers.

The difference in the treatment of
football players according to their age as regards payment of
compensation for their training costs is a different matter linked to the estimated duration of effective
training.

(2001/C 340 E/176)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1052/01

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(5 April 2001)

Subject: Transfer of footballers (cid:129) Merchandising

Can the Commission confirm that the (cid:145)loss of merchandising income(cid:146) will not be a factor in determining
the level of compensation paid in (cid:145)transfer fees(cid:146)?

(2001/C 340 E/177)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1053/01

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(5 April 2001)

Subject: Transfer of footballers (cid:129) Training costs

Can the Commission indicate the likely maximum figures, in current prices, that can be justified in terms
of annual costs for training footballers?

(2001/C 340 E/178)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1054/01

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(5 April 2001)

Subject: Transfer of footballers (cid:129) Solidarity fund

Can the Commission indicate the estimates it has made on the scale of this fund and its allocation scheme?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-1052/01, E-1053/01 and E-1054/01
given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(28 May 2001)

On 5 March 2001, International Federation for Football Associations (FIFA) submitted an undertaking to
change its rules as regards international transfers of football players. According to the general principles of

C 340 E/158

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

4.12.2001

the undertaking, it is FIFA(cid:146)s responsibility to implement inter alia a system of training compensation in
case of players aged under 23 that encourages and rewards the training efforts of clubs, in particular, small
and amateur clubs without limiting freedom of movement of players in a disproportionate way. FIFA will
also implement solidarity mechanisms that would redistribute a significant proportion of income to clubs
involved in the training and education of a player, including amateur clubs.

The Commission has always been supportive of the principle of a solidarity fund to be used to promote
training of young players and to reduce the gap between big and small clubs or between amateur and
professional football.

At this stage, no detailed figures or estimates have been provided to the Commission.

As regards merchandising, according to the general principles of FIFA(cid:146)s undertaking to change its rules, the
loss of merchandising income is not a criterion that can be considered in calculating a training fee. As far
as compensation for unilateral breach of a contract is concerned the question is primarily to be answered
on the basis of the national law applicable.

FIFA has undertaken that after two seasons experience there will be a general review of the new
arrangements.

(2001/C 340 E/179)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1056/01

by Pat Gallagher (UEN) to the Commission

(5 April 2001)

Subject: Common fisheries policy (cid:129) Sea angling

Sea angling is not only a sport, it also provides employment and makes a significant contribution to
regional economies. Could the Commission state what plans it has to give greater recognition and support
to this sector of the fishing industry within the context of the common fisheries policy?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(30 May 2001)

The Commission has at present no plans directed specifically at sea angling.

However, the Commission is at present in the process of formulating recovery plans for hake and cod in
Community waters. These plans should also be of consequent benefit to other major fish stocks including
haddock, whiting and saithe. If successful, the ensuing increased abundance of these fish stocks will offer
increased opportunities for sea angling.

The Commission is also awaiting a report from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea on
the state of stocks of bass in Community waters and suggestions on means to solve existing problems. The
Commission will act as required on this report.

(2001/C 340 E/180)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1061/01

by Gianfranco Dell(cid:146)Alba (TDI) to the Commission

(5 April 2001)

Subject: Reduction in JRC research staff under the proposal for the Sixth framework programme

Given that:

(cid:129) The Joint Research Centre (JRC) takes the form of a Directorate-General within the Commission and is

made up of eight specialised institutes located in five EU Member States.