VISION, MISSION, AND STRATEGY FOR THE EUROPEAN "RECLAIM THE GAME" CAMPAIGN

Jan 09, 2024

VISION, MISSION, AND STRATEGY FOR THE EUROPEAN "RECLAIM THE GAME" CAMPAIGN

Mission Statement:


Football is perhaps the world's most popular sporting and cultural institution. With the awarding of the World Cup 2034 to Saudi Arabia, global football has definitively lost its integrity. FIFA has sold its soul. While national football associations and supporters in Europe do not agree with holding World Cups in countries which commit gross human rights abuses, they still depend on FIFA for the representation of their teams in World Cup and other football competitions. Clubs, media and global football organisations have become the property of countries and companies that prefer money and power over the love of the game. Nation states have started to use ownership of our football clubs as vehicles for soft power and sportswashing.


As a result, the total ownership of the game of football now lies completely out of the control and influence of the people who created it in the past and who still love the game the most. Football feels increasingly separated from its roots in our many and diverse communities.


One of the worst examples of this disconnect between the interests of the fans and the selling of the soul of football is the deal between the Saudi dictatorship and the Spanish Football Association. The rights to the Super Cup were sold to the Saudi regime in a multi million Euro deal, which means the competition is played on another continent. As well as increasing the carbon footprint this shows a total disregard for Spanish football fans who cannot afford to travel to Saudi Arabia to see their team. It also makes LGBTQI+ and women football fans feel excluded as Saudi Arabia criminalizes gay people and women do not have equal rights. Athletic Bilbao midfielder Raul Garcia called the decision to play ‘La Supa Copa’ in Saudi Arabia, a "complete nonsense" and said that "fans have been forgotten" because "football now is all about making money and finding sponsors." 


The game of football needs a reset. A new balance in which the fans, supporters and other passionate football enthusiasts regain part of the ownership and in which money functions as a facilitator to improve and innovate the game instead of being merely a goal. We need to reclaim the game! 


Vision:


For fans, football is an important part of their lives. Therefore it should represent universal values in life like integrity, honesty and equality of all people. The beautiful game should be organized in a democratic way. Football democracy would mean the fans choosing the leadership of clubs, national unions and global representation. Sponsors and money should be a way to improve and enhance the game, not the overriding goal as it is unfortunately becoming. Concentrating the power and wealth in fewer and fewer hands in the football pyramid, including nation state and multi-club ownership is not sustainable financially or acceptable morally. If football ceases to have a level playing field it will no longer be a sport. 


Mission:



1. Legislation in Europe on ownership of football clubs before 2034. Nation states cannot be allowed to own our football clubs. Companies have to apply the historic and democratic values of the game and fans must be involved in the ownership.


2. A reinvention of the global organization (currently FIFA) of the game. There have been numerous cases of corruption and vote rigging at the top levels of FIFA. For the sake of the future of football as a sport for and by the people rather than as a money making plaything of the mega-rich, fundamental changes in the administration of the game are urgently needed.  Fans and democracy are the starting point. 


3. Opposition to the proposed World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Human rights abusing dictatorships cannot be allowed to use the beautiful game to sportswash away their crimes. 


4. Appeal to football associations, legislators, players and fans in Europe to boycott the 2034 World Cup and if it goes ahead to organize an alternative ‘Human Rights’ World Cup.


5. Urge sponsors to rethink their support for dictatorships hosting events, safeguarding human rights, and upholding CSR values.


Strategy:


Unite and communicate with the same message and apply pressure on those people and organizations that can contribute to our mission and who approve of our vision. 


Gerard Arink


Pro2 Foundation

17 Jan, 2024
In the present day, I find myself passionately immersed in the world of football, especially as a devoted Brøndby fan. The journey through the tumultuous waters of club ownership has been nothing short of riveting, with our beloved club at the center of it all. As the global football landscape evolves, so do the dynamics of club ownership. Across the world, fans are witnessing their cherished clubs being bought and sold like commodities. It's a phenomenon that's impacting clubs of all sizes, from the biggest giants to the smaller, community-rooted teams. Take, for instance, the rise of mega-investors and oligarchs who see football clubs as attractive assets. Clubs are no longer just about local pride; they're now part of international investment portfolios. It's a trend that raises concerns about the soul of the sport. Are these new owners driven by a genuine love for the game and its traditions, or are they solely motivated by financial gain? In Brøndby, the "Bevar Brøndby" movement took root in response to this very question. They saw their beloved club, with its rich history and deep community ties, facing a crossroads. The fear was that the unique identity that made Brøndby IF special would be diluted or lost altogether. But this story isn't unique to Denmark. Around the world, fans are grappling with the same uncertainties. From the Premier League in England to La Liga in Spain, fans are questioning whether their clubs can maintain their local roots, traditions, and values in the face of corporate ownership. The heart of the issue lies in the tension between passion and profit. Football is more than just a business; it's a way of life for fans like me. It's the chants in the stands, the emotions on matchday, and the shared history that spans generations. It's the feeling of belonging to something bigger than ourselves. While I may not be on the frontlines of the "Bevar Brøndby" movement, I am an ardent supporter of their cause. I understand the importance of preserving the unique spirit of our club and ensuring that it remains a source of pride for the community. As I follow the developments in the world of football ownership, I can't help but feel a sense of urgency. The battle to protect our clubs' identities is ongoing, and the outcome will shape the future of the sport we hold dear. Whether it's in Denmark or elsewhere in the world, one thing remains clear: fans like me will continue to stand up for what we believe in, defending the soul of football against the forces of commercialization. Preserving Football's Heart: Germany's Unique '50+1 Rule' in Club Ownership In Germany, the landscape of football club ownership stands apart from many other countries, primarily due to the "50+1 rule." This rule has become a defining feature of German football and plays a crucial role in preserving the connection between clubs and their supporters. The "50+1 rule" stipulates that the majority of voting rights within a football club must be owned by its members, which are typically the fans. In practical terms, this means that the club's members must retain at least 50% of the voting rights, plus one additional vote. This regulation ensures that fans have a significant say in how their club is run, even when external investors come into play. This unique approach to ownership has several key implications: Fan Influence: The "50+1 rule" places a strong emphasis on fan influence within German football clubs. Fans are often organized into supporter associations that have a direct say in club decisions, including board elections, financial matters, and significant strategic choices. This direct fan involvement helps maintain a strong bond between the club and its supporters. Preventing Takeovers: The rule acts as a safeguard against hostile takeovers and excessive external influence. While investors can inject capital into clubs, they cannot control the club's destiny entirely. This ensures that the club remains grounded in its local community and retains its unique identity. Financial Stability: Clubs in Germany are generally seen as more financially stable compared to those in countries where foreign ownership is more common. The "50+1 rule" discourages risky financial behavior, as fans and members are motivated to maintain the club's long-term health rather than seeking immediate profit. Competitive Balance: The rule contributes to a relatively balanced competitive landscape in German football. Clubs with substantial external investment must still adhere to the rule, which helps maintain a sense of fairness and competition within the league. However, it's essential to note that the "50+1 rule" isn't without its critics. Some argue that it limits the financial resources available to clubs, making it challenging to compete with European football giants in terms of transfer fees and player salaries. Still, many fans and stakeholders view this limitation as a necessary trade-off to preserve the soul of German football. In summary, Germany's "50+1 rule" is a testament to the country's commitment to maintaining the traditional connection between football clubs and their fans. It's a model that ensures fan influence, financial stability, and competitive balance while fending off excessive external ownership and the risks it may bring. As football ownership evolves globally, Germany remains a unique and intriguing example of how clubs can remain firmly rooted in their communities. By Rasmus Augustesen
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