UEFA fears the effects of Premier League spending on transfer market
UEFA recognised that the gigantic expenses of Premier League clubs are forming a two-speed system in Europe's transfer market. With the world's largest broadcasting and distribution rights but balanced, English teams, including some midfielders, outperform financially the top leagues from Spain, Italy, Germany and France. No concrete measures have been announced, but there is growing debate about financial fair play and competitiveness.
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The context
There is an imbalance in the transfer market which has not gone unnoticed by European football officials.According to UEFA, a "clear two-speed system" is being formed on the market, caused by the gigantic spending of Premier League clubs during this window.
In practice, the expression summarises what has been twisted on the pitch and in the headlines: English teams operate on an investment band that clubs from other leagues including the big ones from Spain, Italy, Germany and France simply cannot keep up with.
Why has the difference increased?
The central component of the imbalance is financial.The Premier League is a league with the largest broadcasting rights in the world, distributed more evenly between clubs than happens in other competitions.This means that not only the English giants but also mid-table teams are entering the market with funds rivaling those of national champions from other countries.
For a Brazilian fan, the effect is direct: England has become an increasingly frequent destination for players who used to go to Spain, Italy or Portugal and Brazilian clubs, which historically exported to Europe in general, are today negotiating with an English market willing to pay more quickly and more expensive.
A warning sign from UEFA
The public recognition of this 'two-speed system' by UEFA itself is the most relevant point at the moment.The body which regulates European football admits, in its own words, that competition between leagues has become asymmetric: the problem is not just one rich club against other rich ones, but a whole league with much higher spending capacity than others.
This raises issues that must be the focus of future debates in European football: the sustainability of financial fair play rules, the competitiveness of continental competitions and the ability of other leagues to challenge their stars.
Where are we now?
A statement was made in the context of the transfer window that has been moving through English clubs. There is, for now, no concrete measure announced or there is an official diagnosis of the phenomenon. What comes next, if there will be regulatory changes or just a deepening of the difference between leagues, is a question which must accompany the upcoming signing windows.
Warning
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Source: BBC Sport Football
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