Michel Platini promises ‘tough measures’ against clubs found in contravention of Financial Fair Play, but no exclusion from European competition.
Michel Platini promises ‘tough measures’ against clubs found in contravention of Financial Fair Play, but no exclusion from European competition.
UEFA announced earlier this year that 76 clubs have been ordered to submit information on their finances, in line with the regulations coming into effect under their FFP initiative, to prevent clubs from spending beyond their means.
Whilst the Club Financial Control Board are to announce in the coming weeks the clubs under investigation and expected sanctions, UEFA’s President has made clear today that while action will be taken, it will not involve suspension from European competition.
Malaga received a season-long ban from European competition for being found in contravention of FFP early last season.
“The first decisions will be announced in May,” Platini has explained in today’s edition of Le Parisien.
“If you expect blood and tears, you will be disappointed. There will be tough measures, but not exclusion from European competition.
“Overall losses of European clubs have gone from €1.7bn to €1bn this year, so we are winning our bet.
“But some clubs are always on the edge.”
Speaking to a French publication, inevitably Platini was asked if Paris Saint-Germain fall into this category, with the cash-rich Qatari-owned club seen as most at risk from sanctions.
“I do not talk about any club in particular, that is not my role. Let’s just say that PSG’s economic model is unique and atypical.
“This sponsorship deal with the Qatari Tourism Authority [worth €200m a year], is innovative, that is the least we can say.
“But is it valid? Is the contract amount correct? These are issues the experts must decide.
“Do PSG play with the limits of the rules? No, we cannot say that. I spoke with [President] Nasser Al-Khelaifi and [CEO] Jean-Claude Blanc and they are not in that spirit.
“They simply have chosen a path to finance their investments and achieve balance.
“But do PSG comply with the rules of Financial Fair Play? I am not sure…”