Brussels, 01/02/2001 (Agence Europe) - Monti, Reding and Diamantopoulou (the three European Commissioners responsible for sports issues) have written to the Presidents of FIFA (World Football Federation) and UEFA (European football organisation) expressing their concern at the lack of movement on the part of the world of football in drawing up the new regulation on the international transfer of football players. Between end-October and end-December, significant progress was achieved towards a satisfactory compromise for all parties, and compatible with the demands of the Community treaty. Since then, the different components of the world of football have not been able to align their positions on aspects still unresolved of the new rules.
The three Commissioners say they are prepared to organise a summit meeting between themselves and the presidents of FIFA and UEFA, with the participation of representatives of football player trade unions to provide the appropriate political impetus to the additional effort still needed to define conditions for unilateral, mid-term, breaches of contract between players and clubs. The Commission does not want to impose any solution, but encourage dialogue on a correct and satisfactory solution.