Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has met with the EU Sports Commissioner Tibor Navracsics to discuss important developments relating to the governance of the game.

European Club Association (ECA) Chairman, Rummenigge met Navracsics at FC Bayern München headquarters in Munich for discussions focusing on the election of the new FIFA President, UEFA General Secretary, Gianni Infantino and the need for the world governing body to pursue deep-rooted reforms leading to more meaningful club involvement in decision-making bodies.

During the discussions it was stressed the important and positive developments that had taken place over the last few years within UEFA which could serve as an example to FIFA.

The subject of UEFA and its future direction were also addressed as was the issue of the transfers, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge reiterating the importance of contractual stability as a central element of the system.

Commenting on the meeting, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stated: “I am very happy to have met with Tibor Navracsics once again and share with him ECA’s views and vision for the further development of football in Europe at this crucial time in the history of the game.

“I look forward to further our exchanges throughout the continuation of his mandate at the European Commission.”

The on-going work of the European Commission in the area of the single digital market also allowed for Karl-Heinz Rummenigge to remind Commissioner Navracsics of the importance of maintaining the territorial concept (geo-blocking) given its central role in financing the game.

Commissioner Navracsics, added: “Football is facing serious challenges and I believe that the solution lies in a process of fundamental reform with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders.

I will continue to follow and support this process for the good of the game and all those who love it.”

Image: REUTERS/Alexander Hassenstein/Pool