At the recent Union of European Clubs (UEC) Forum in Brussels, Dr Jan Zglinski delivered an intervention in which he called for a reform of European football. The UEC, an organisation representing the interests of non-elite clubs across the continent, has become a prominent voice advocating for fairer governance structures within the sport.
Dr Zglinski argued that the sport’s current reliance on self-regulation is failing smaller clubs, as well as players, supporters and local communities. Drawing on his research, he urged the EU to go beyond piecemeal litigation and adopt a European Sports Act—a legislative framework that would enshrine minimum standards of democracy, transparency, representation and rights protection across football’s governance structures.
His intervention resonated strongly with the over 200 attendees, reflecting the growing momentum for a more equitable future for football which could be achieved through better regulation.
See UEC Press Release here.