De Siervo: "UEFA and FIFA Gigantism Risks Reducing Leagues to Qualifiers"

Luigi De Siervo, CEO of Lega Serie A, has voiced strong concerns about the expanding influence of UEFA and FIFA, warning that their 'gigantism' threatens to diminish the importance of national football championships. He stresses the urgent need to find a balance between domestic and international football commitments.

De Siervo highlights that while major leagues like Serie A, La Liga, and the Premier League have maintained a consistent structure with 20 teams for over two decades, the ever-increasing number of European and international fixtures—such as the newly expanded Club World Cup—is creating an unsustainable and congested calendar. He specifically criticizes the introduction of such tournaments without adequate consultation with all stakeholders, stating that the goal seems to be continuous expansion, occupying already scarce schedule space.

The Serie A chief underscores the crucial role of national leagues as the "last truly democratic element" within the football system. To defend their interests and preserve their unique identity, the World Leagues Association, of which De Siervo is Vice President, has initiated legal proceedings against FIFA for alleged abuse of its dominant market position. This action, he explains, is not just about upholding tradition but also about showing respect for the sport's global audience.

According to De Siervo, the clear and present danger is that national championships could be relegated to mere "pre-qualifiers" for international competitions. This transformation would strip them of their inherent appeal and distinct identity, thereby jeopardizing the invaluable heritage of clubs and cities that collectively form the very essence of football worldwide.