FIFA and IOC endorse decision to drop EU sports agency

BRUSSELS, Nov 24 (Reuters) The world's leading sports organisations endorsed today a decision by European Union (EU) sports ministers to drop controversial plans for a new European Sports Agency.

Soccer's governing body FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) welcomed yesterday's announcement from British Sports Minister Richard Caborn that the proposal was dead.

In September, FIFA and the IOC sent a joint letter to the 25 ministers and the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, outlining their opposition to the proposal which was included in an EU-backed Independent European Sport Review in May.

''It is very encouraging to see this is no longer considered a viable option,'' FIFA president Sepp Blatter told Reuters.

POSITIVE SIGN ''At the same time it is a very positive sign the European Union is willing to help sport and football to solve problems.'' ''This is a right decision,'' said an IOC spokesperson.

''While the IOC has always been in favour of strong collaboration with the EU as regards the educational role of sport in society, we have warned against unnecessary bureaucracy in the field of sporting regulations which we believe the world of sport is better placed to handle.'' EU sports ministers will meet next week in Brussels to discuss the review and possible legislation.

UEFA, which runs soccer in Europe, and the European Premier Football Leagues (EPFL), also welcomed the announcement.

''There is no need to create yet another pillar or layer in an already complicated playing field,'' said EPFL general manager Emanuel Medeiros.

But the idea of a pan-European agency may resurface in the future as several lawmakers within the European Parliament, which would have to approve any future legislation put forward by ministers and the Commission, continue to discuss the issue.

''There is still a lot to do on the idea of a European Sports Agency with several different ideas circulating,'' said Belgian MEP Ivo Belet.

According to Irish MEP Eoin Ryan, there are discussions on ''a kind of body that should deal with financial flows, financial transparency in order to guarantee a European level-playing field''.

Reuters DH VP0130