Gazidis - Clubs demand greater stability

By Chris Harris

Ivan Gazidis says clubs are demanding greater financial stability and he expects Financial Fair Play to create the environment that football needs to thrive.

The Uefa-approved FFP regulations require clubs to break even over a rolling three-year period if they want to compete in the Champions League or Europa League.

There is some scepticism over whether the rules will be effectively enforced but Gazidis is confident that FFP will happen - and faster than critics think.

"I think the perception of FFP at the moment is lagging behind the reality," said Gazidis. "I think there is a perception that Michel Platini devised an evil plan in his bath to go after English football. That's just simply not the case.

"The FFP proposals were developed by Uefa in very close consultation with the ECA representing clubs all across Europe. An incredible amount of work went into those regulations.

"They were endorsed and supported by football clubs. They are not rules coming down on high, they are actually rules the clubs themselves developed in conjunction with Uefa and absolutely support.”

Gazidis is also confident the principles of FFP will be applied here in England.

He said: "Not only do we see that at the European level, but we are seeing support for this type of regulation in the Football League and we are seeing very serious discussions within the Premier League about introducing these regulations domestically.

"Some form of financial regulation has extremely broad support among the Premier League clubs. So, I would be less optimistic if the rules were not being generated by football clubs themselves.

“Football clubs are demanding that football has a more sustainable environment," added Gazidis. “I think it's the result of a realisation of where does all this end? What's the end game in just simply seeing ever increasing, spiralling spending? Many owners are saying, how can I stay involved?

“Owners are also finding that they can’t find good custodians for their football club to come in. Who would want to get involved in an environment when you are going to have to lose your shirt to compete and, along the way, probably be vilified? It's not the most attractive proposition.

“I think in the longer term that will mean better ownership, more responsible ownership for football clubs. I think fans of the game will benefit from that environment. It's a really healthy development.

“I think more and more people are recognising the benefits. It's become mainstream. There are very few voices, very few, who are speaking out about FFP. They are in the wilderness at this point. It's going to happen and it is happening faster than people realise.”