Government-Regulated Football?
Soccer for us here in America. The Bruges Group in London points out an interesting clause in the EU Constitution, which could very well have government sticking its hands in the game of soccer. The clause in question:
The Union shall contribute to the promotion of European sporting issues, given the social and educational function of sport. --Article III-182
Yuck, I have a feeling contribute means control. A state-aid probe is already underway by the European Commission into the financial affairs of football teams in Germany, Italy, Spain, France and the UK.
I guess if the trend continues, Europe can look forward to much slower soccer players costing much more money and a run at the Inefficiency Cup 2008. Not quite the same ring as World Cup.
