But is it enough to bypass all national sovereignties and make for an independent self-governed football as in a self-regulated entity? Probably, it’s a response that everyone is interested in, and that includes the best online betting brands who may have to reconsider their entire stance.
FIFA and UEFA definitely want a self-governed football
It’s been quite a number of years that both ruling bodies have enforced a policy of autonomous national federations that are not subject to governmental authority. In fact, they have threatened with bans and punishments any and all national teams and clubs from countries that disregarded that policy and enforced punishments to football officials for various levels of criminal behavior. While this fact has already caused quite heated debates, the recent incident with Turkish Fenerbahce S.K. may open the doors for the next step (or the Pandora’s box according to other views).
The issue has stirred up even accusations for hypocritical behavior since there have been ways to bypass the aforementioned policies. Two certain federations come to mind where the presidents of the country have been «voted» to also become presidents of the national football associations. There are even more cases where the people that «self-govern» the sport are nothing more than governmental puppets. Despite that this is an established fact, both FIFA and UEFA do nothing about it.
Fenerbahce may stir up an even bigger Bosman Case
For those who do not remember, in 1995 the decision of the Courts opened the doors for the inclusion of any footballer citizen of a country of the European Union, to any club based on it, without obstructions. This decision is the legal precedent that can be taken to the next level through the Turkish club’s actions. Free borderless trade and work opportunities are supposed to be in the fundamental declaration for the creation of the European Economic Community (predecessor of the current status).
The general assembly of the shareholders of Fenerbahce will be asked to make a decision after the end of the current season, on whether the club will no longer participate in the Turkish football competitions and ask for inclusion in the tournaments of other EU countries like Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Italy or Spain. According to the aforementioned declaration, not only do they have the right to do it, but also, the countries that may receive the application, cannot refuse!
Paving the way to self-governed football
Let’s picture it out. Fenerbahce are accepted and start playing in Belgium. In all likelihood, just like any local team, they will have to begin at the lowest tier. The Turks have the necessary know how to advance quite quickly towards the top levels. So, in 6 or 7 years, they could even lay a claim for the title of Champions of Belgian Football! And, of course, participate in any European Competition as representatives of that country!
Such a happenstance will pave the way for other clubs to do the same. Especially in countries where the level is too low and does not allow for further development, or is too corrupt. Sheriff Tiraspol for example have been winning all titles since 2000 with only 2 interruptions in 2011 and 2015. However, they have never gone far in an international tournament. An opportunity for a change of country with a more competitive championship may provide them with the chance.
One big international league
Should it become a reality and we have teams from different countries competing in other national federations, then, it stands to reason, that there will be no need for those associations. FIFA and UEFA can then either ask for their complete dissolution, or demand that they limit themselves to handling 2nd and 3rd tier competitions while the top tier will become independent, governed and regulated by the two ruling bodies
It should be made clear at this point that this has nothing to do with the infamous European Super League which involves a separation from both FIFA and UEFA. We will have the successor of the Champions League as the top tier, the Europa League is the 2nd tier and the Conference League as the third, with rules about advancing to the next one or relegating. Essentially, we are talking about a similar but extended condition as the one that exists in the NBA with the participation of the Canadian teams.
Self-governed football… good or bad?
The issues are known. Match-fixing, scandals, doping, changing the rules so that more goals are scored, embracing technology to rule out human error, taking politics out of sport, fanaticism, riots, and a lot of other questions to be answered. For the ruling bodies, these answers should be provided under one unified mode of operations instead of the many and varied penalties and sanctions imposed by the local governments. Especially in places where there’s still the death penalty (Egypt executed the perpetrators of the last rioting incident).
For the betting world, the optimal condition is to have everything preset and arranged in a way that guarantees fairness and justice. When people open a single online betting account, they expect that there will be no manipulation of the outcomes by any means. So, the question is: is this better achievable through local governments, or through a single centralized center?
