Liverpool and owners FSG have been dealt a blow with the news that UEFA are to “ease” Financial Fair Play rules.
FSG and principal owner John W. Henry have been strong advocates of FFP and outlined the introduction of the rulings as one of their major reasons for purchasing the club in 2010.
Henry saw the introduction of FFP as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the multi-billionaires of Europe, such as Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris St. Germain.
Last year Henry told BBC Sport the biggest challenge facing Liverpool was other clubs ignoring FFP:
“It’s challenging, it makes it difficult. There are only four Champions League spots, we have three teams that seem to have unlimited budgets, at least two, so it’s challenging.
“We really don’t have Financial Fair Play, or at least people are not abiding by it. If UEFA does something about it and people have to comply, even then the rules are somewhat suspect. I’d love to think that UEFA can do and will do what needs to be done, but we’ll see.”
But instead of implying the rules more stringently UEFA president Michel Platini has been quoted saying FFP rules will instead be eased.
“I think we’ll ease things,” said Platini. “But it will be the executive committee who will decide if it is to be eased and the outcome will be known by the end of June.”
UEFA’s general secretary says: “Any potential changes will look to encourage more growth, more competition and market stimulation while strengthening the emphasis on controlling spending and safeguarding financial stability.”
Such easing of FFP will make it easier for the mega-rich clubs to spend more and make it more challenging for Liverpool to compete.
OPINION: FSG – Long time no see
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