UEFA home in on the talent hoarders

SOCCER/ Euro 2004: In the wake of Greece's unexpected but thoroughly deserved triumph at Euro 2004, some intriguing questions arise. Paddy Agnew in Lisbon

For a start, has the new world order been determined by the fact that European football's traditional powers have overlooked their football nurseries? Has the emergence of a European elite of super clubs which hire the best money can buy stunted the development of younger players in countries like England, Germany, Italy and Spain?

Was French legend Michel Platini correct when saying last week that these championships have marked the success of those countries which export their top football talent (Portugal, Greece, Czech Republic, Denmark and the Netherlands) rather than those which import it (England, Italy, Germany, Spain)?

Platini's theory is that the importing country weakens its own national cause by denying talented youngsters space in its top clubs, which prefer to buy the latest Argentine, Brazilian, Portuguese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, or indeed Greek star in pursuit of Champions League glory. Concomitantly, the level of national team football in the exporting countries improves greatly thanks to their players being more regularly exposed to top-level club football.

The argument is complex and it will certainly run and run. UEFA would, however, appear to have taken cognisance of some of the basic issues. In a series of proposals on club football presented at a meeting here in Lisbon on Saturday, UEFA has called for a minimum of eight home-grown players on the 18-player team sheet as well as a ceiling of 25 players per club squad.

These proposals, agreed by the 52 member associations, have the twin aims of making Europe's biggest domestic leagues more competitive and nurturing the national teams. UEFA hope they can be introduced for the 2005-2006 season even if they are sure to face opposition from the Chelseas, Manchester Uniteds and Inter Milans of this FootBiz world.

After all, United had 43 players, Chelsea 41 and Inter 33 on their books last season. UEFA will argue that their measures are designed to stop the superclubs from hoarding players, especially foreign players, thus denying space to home-grown talent

Speaking here in Lisbon on Saturday, UEFA vice-president Per Ravn Omdal also expressed concern about the dilution of clubs' local or regional identities, saying: "Some clubs are fielding teams with 11 foreign players. We have to ask ourselves whether this is a development that is wanted in football."

UEFA are concerned not only about the possible harm done to home-grown players but also about the extent to which economic power has led to the major European leagues being dominated by a handful of clubs (Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in England; AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus in Italy; Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia in Spain, etc).

Clearly, it is difficult to see how UEFA's proposals will get around European Union legislation on both freedom of labour movement and restrictive trade practices. Not surprisingly, Omdal was at pains to point out that UEFA had launched their proposals on a "white paper" basis, prior to holding talks with players unions, clubs, leagues and, crucially, the EU this autumn.

"We think this is a question that should be debated, and we hope to gain as many supporters of our views as possible. We think that it is proper and correct to introduce a limit on squads as well, because you cannot have seven or eight home-grown players in a squad of 40.

"We think it makes sense to limit squads to 25, as is the case for the European cup competitions," said Omdal.

He cheerfully admitted that UEFA expected opposition to the proposals "for individual, selfish reasons", adding: "I think it is the task of a sports body like UEFA to create competitive equality. If you look at the tendency in the different leagues, you find two or three clubs out of 18 are dominating, mainly because of financial power. I think it is correct to move ahead with proposals which make national leagues competitive. All national leagues need fierce and hard competition."

As far as the development of the club game is concerned, UEFA's proposals are more than worthy. One wonders, however, if Greek success and superpower failure at Euro 2004 has not more to with attitude than talent. For example, the French squad that played here was not short on home-grown talent. Rather, it was painfully short on commitment and determination. At the end of the day, the right attitude and the will to win are not matters for which you can legislate. Just ask Otto Rehhagel.