European football and the European union: Governance, participation and social cohesion — towards a policy research agenda

Abstract

This article considers the changing relationship of European football to the European Union (EU). Given technological, commercial, financial and organizational changes in the political economy of elite European football, and given the application of European law to sports bodies epitomised by the Bosman ruling, this article begins to outline a policy research agenda. Debates within the European Commission have centred around the appropriate role of EU Law (primarily competition and freedom of movement) as well as the cultural and social value of sport: this essay begins to outline areas for future research which will inform such key policy decisions, notably on the role of football (and sport generally) in developing social cohesion, better governance and increased participation. It argues, however, that a reappraisal of the European ‘model’ of sport is needed, and a greater recognition made of the social and cultural importance of spectating, as well as playing.