New UEFA financial distribution model not beneficial in improving competitive balance says European Leagues.

European Leagues (formerly EPFL) held their General Assembly in Edinburgh on Friday, (6th April) where a wide range of topics were discussed including the harmonisation of the summer transfer window and a revised membership structure for member leagues.

UEFA’s proposals for the 2018 edition of the Financial Fair Play Regulations was also presented to the Assembly.

The Assembly was presented with a European Leagues analysis on the UEFA Financial Distribution Model for the 2018-2021 cycle.

It was felt that the new model is not beneficial in improving competitive balance in European Football. Indeed the new distribution model further increases the economic and financial differences between clubs from the same league.

The inclusion of the new Coefficient Pillar among the distribution criteria favours clubs that repeatedly participate in the UCL/UEL, or clubs which have historically won titles.

A number of proposals to address this continued and growing imbalance were suggested and will be presented to the football stakeholders on the occasion of the next meeting of the Professional Football Strategy Council.

Speaking following the Assembly, European Leagues chairman, Lars Christer Olsson, said: “It is disappointing that from our analysis competitive balance is still not being addressed by the football family.

“This is a fundamental issue for our members and in the coming months we will be working hard to create a fairer and better model for financial distribution and solidarity.”