Andrea Agnelli officially ended his tenure as Juventus club president today but warned that ‘European football needs structural changes’ in his farewell speech. The meeting of Juve shareholders took place today with the intention of appointing the new board of directors and determining the length of their terms in charge. Speaking as outgoing president, Agnelli looked back at his decisions while at the helm of Juventus and defended his choice to start a European Super League, which he suggests was to protect the interest of football clubs:
“Firstly, I want to remember to captains of Juventus who we recently lost, Castano and Vialli. I ask you to observe a minute’s silence. I can’t hide my emotion, a chapter of Juventus’ history ends today.
We’ve seen transitions of owndership at Chelsea, Milan, Newcastle, Atalanta and Leeds. Consortiums like Chelsea, RedBird’s Milan, PIF’s Newcastle and Pagliuca for Atalanta. We’re witnessing an expanding phenomenon such as multi ownership: CityGroup, RedBull, RedBird, 777. We have no data, but Goldman & Sachs is investing €1bn in football, there is an interest in the sector.
To me, Governors didn’t provide a suitable answer, they haven’t evolved and don’t see the difference between game and business. Differences are becoming more and more evident. As a UEFA member and ECA President, the analysis was clear. The system was not sustainable, and clubs were the only ones taking risks. There was disaffection from fans and we’ve often been criticised for highlighting this, which is becoming clear also to those managing the ‘middle’ level.
Our proposal was to create an ecosystem for the leading European leagues to increase stability, keeping a balance between national and European competitions.
Serie A has had only 68 teams since it became a unique league almost 100 years ago. It’s a system open to everyone based on sporting competitiveness. UEFA and ECA proposed it in 2019, then I don’t need to remember what happened. There was COVID and I don’t want to touch that part.
If I wanted to keep my privileged position as ECA President, I wouldn’t have taken certain decisions in 2021. European football needs structural changes otherwise, we will decline, favouring the Premier League, which will dominate.
The current regulators do not want to hear about football’s problems. They are in a monopoly position and I hope the European Court will recognise UEFA’s dominant position.
Having closed such an important chapter of my career, I want to find a blank page which I can handle with passion after a break.
I decided to make a step back in the assemblies where I was involved. I did it in agreement with John Elkann, with whom I have a solid bond, with Ajay Banga and Carlos Tavares.
I want to face the future with a blank page. It’s crucial to have freedom of thought and face this new part. I am looking forward to starting it.”
