The European sport model aims to reflect the solidarity between all levels of sport, ranging from grassroots and recreational sport to elite sport.
The model frames the values through which sport is organised in Europe. It is designed to foster a fair, inclusive, and sustainable sport environment. It emphasises transparency, accountability, and integrity in competitions and organisations.
The features of the European sport model are not absolute and are affected by the social, economic, and technological trends over time.
The Court of Justice of the European Union has been instrumental in shaping the model through its rulings, striking the balance between recognising the specific nature of sport while ensuring it complies with EU law.
Main features
The European sport model, as defined in the 2007 White Paper on Sport, is built on certain main elements that have been reaffirmed through numerous resolutions, reports, and court rulings.
The 2022 study on the European sport model further supported these cornerstones, while also expanding on the model’s evolving flexibility to adapt to different sports and national contexts.
Regarding the European sport model, the study highlighted the following aspects.
Specificity and autonomy of sport
Sport federations have autonomy to independently govern their sport within the limits of EU law and guided by the principles of good governance, as self-regulation ensures fairness, integrity and competitive spirit.
Good governance
The implementation of good governance principles such as transparency, accountability, and athlete involvement are imperative to safeguard integrity in sport. These principles are key to protect the rights of athletes, the accessibility of sport events to sport fans, and ensure fair play.
Openness of competitions
Access to competitions is based on sporting merit and an open system of promotion and regulation. This ensures equal opportunities for all clubs and athletes, regardless of size or location.
Volunteering
The role of volunteers is vital for organising sport across all levels. Volunteering should always be recognised and promoted. There must be structures and mechanisms in place to ensure volunteers are encouraged, socially stimulated, educated on the importance of their work, and provided with training for skills development.
Solidarity and interdependence
Revenue from professional sport should support youth development, amateur level activities, and infrastructure. This means having a solidary mechanism between all levels of sport, from grassroots and volunteering up to elite sport. Its focus should be on communities and support participation and progression.