Is FFP illegal?

[Lineker's Left Foot]

Don't really know the intricacies of this apart from the fact I think you can make an £8m loss in comparison to what the club earns per year (?)' but isn't the concept of it illegal as it stops competitive trade?

So for example if I was a multi millionaire and owned a small shop that didn't make a lot of profit, then expanded by building two more shops and began to make a large loss - but was covered by my own personal wealth - then what would the problem be as surely you'd be allowed to do this; thus making FFP illegal?

I remember our owners and QPRs submitting legal correspondence relating to the legality of it and wonder why nothing is done.

Sorry if a similar thread has already been posted.

[cc_star]

It's a protectionist racket which prevents other clubs competing with the few who are already established and /generally/ have a lock on the Champions League & the revenue that creates to ensure they and only they qualify for the champions League every single year

 

Hopefully this year Southampton or someone can break the stranglehold on it, but as we move in the 2nd half of the season I doubt it

[Fox92]

It's absolutely stupid. So the big teams who get fined, it doesn't affect, because they can afford to pay the fines - Manchester City and PSG as prime examples - yet clubs like us and Hull (and whichever other small teams have been named recently) can't afford the fine so we're involved with it?

 

Or does it not work like that?

[Fox Ulike]

Sort of. It’s not illegal, but it does rely on the goodwill of the clubs to abide by it, as a Rule of all the football competitions.

 

However, UEFA has no legal case to be able to enforce the fines. UEFA could bring a case to court if they chose to, but it would be kicked out... because as you point out, enforcement of the fines would infringe European Competition Law

 

So, in summary it’s a worthless crock of poo and always has been.

[DB11]

It's almost like a condition of entry to joining the league. The league can refuse to let you join if they wish.

 

They would be unlikely to be able to enforce fines but they would be able to say well if you don't pay we won't let you in the league next year.....

[Jace]

Breaks EU competition law, as soon as 1 team appeals a decision we could see it fold many are speculating, in the hands of the court its future will hang I think

[C-man]

Imagine any other industry where a Company is fined for making losses in its start up years as it bids to make a long-term profit.

It's absolutely absurd. Spending in football needs curtailing but FFP isn't the answer.

[filbertway]

Imagine any other industry where a Company is fined for making losses in its start up years as it bids to make a long-term profit.

It's absolutely absurd. Spending in football needs curtailing but FFP isn't the answer.

 

It's a step in the right direction though isn't it, too many clubs recently have spent well beyond their means and have suffered massively as a result.

 

I really don't see why clubs are fined though, absolutely ludicrous if the aim is to help clubs stay within their financial means. I do think reducing Man City's champions league squad from 25 for 21 was a nice inventive punishment. Ultimately exclusion from the competition would be the aim I imagine.