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Ronaldo fee is excessive, says Platini
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-06-13 07:08
BRUSSELS: UEFA president Michel Platini described Real Madrid's world record bid for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo as "excessive" at a time when the world is in the midst of a financial crisis. "It is very puzzling at a time when football faces some of its worst ever financial challenges," Platini said. "These transfers are a serious challenge to the idea of fairplay and the concept of financial balance in our competitions," he added. The head of European soccer's governing body was referring to Madrid's 80 million-pound ($131.2 million) bid for Portugal winger Ronaldo and their recent signing of Brazil midfielder Kaka for about 68 million euros ($95.42 million). The chairman of the French League, Frederic Thiriez, was also critical of the fees, saying: "Those amounts are neither understandable nor justifiable. Those excesses will lead the sport to the wall... I ask for a European financial regulator." French clubs often complain they are not on a level playing field with teams in other countries due to the French League's strict financial rules, which forbid huge amounts of debt. UEFA officials said they hope to put forward new plans this year to tighten financial regulation such as cutting excessive club debt and imposing stricter rules on player transfers. UEFA is also considering limiting the amount of revenue a club can spend on transfers and wages to about 45-55 percent of revenue from ticket sales, television rights and sponsorship. Reuters
(China Daily 06/13/2009 page12) |
