ABSTRACT

Research question

The paper investigates the way in which the large football clubs are increasing their dominance, and whether this is compatible with EU competition law.

Research methods

Various insights from the economic and legal literature have been combined to give a new interpretation of EU competition law.

Results and findings

The number of clubs with a realistic chance of winning important prizes has declined in many national markets. As a result, the economic competition has diminished and prices have increased to the detriment of welfare. This development has been reinforced by the joint actions of the top European clubs, such as threatening to start a Super League. Consequently, UEFA has implemented policies that have been particularly helpful for the top clubs. But, the clubs’ actions are incompatible with EU competition law, as is the actual creation of a European Super League.

Implications

If the EU were to enforce the law, the power of the big clubs would be reduced, and UEFA's policies could be based more on the old democratic principles, again. This would lead to more sporting successes for small clubs and to lower prices for the fans.

中文翻译：

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欧盟竞争法、足球和国内市场

摘要

研究问题

该文件调查了大型足球俱乐部增加其支配地位的方式，以及这是否符合欧盟竞争法。

研究方法

来自经济和法律文献的各种见解被结合起来，对欧盟竞争法给出了新的解释。

结果和发现

在许多国家市场上，有机会赢得重要奖项的俱乐部数量有所下降。结果，经济竞争减弱，价格上涨，损害了福利。这一发展因欧洲顶级俱乐部的联合行动而得到加强，例如威胁要启动超级联赛。因此，欧足联实施了对顶级俱乐部特别有帮助的政策。但是，俱乐部的行为不符合欧盟竞争法，欧洲超级联赛的实际创建也是如此。

启示

如果欧盟执行这项法律，大俱乐部的权力就会减少，欧足联的政策可能会再次更多地基于旧的民主原则。这将为小型俱乐部带来更多的体育成功，并为球迷带来更低的价格。