Positive talks in Brussels

UEFA President Michel Platini held talks with President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso at the Commission's headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday. This was the second time the two presidents have met, now both in their second terms in office.

The visit took place in a very positive atmosphere and the meeting underlines the strong relationship between the EU's executive body and UEFA, football's European governing body, as well as the continuing high-level dialogue between the organisations. President Barroso was fully supportive of the three main themes discussed: financial fair play, match-fixing and the importance of national teams.

UEFA President Platini said: "I am very happy to continue our excellent working relations with the EU institutions and the European Commission in my second term. We have come a long way since the Bosman days, and UEFA, and I personally, am committed to continuing our fruitful cooperation and working on issues of common interest."

In these tough economic times Presidents Platini and Barroso took the opportunity to discuss European football finances, which struck a common chord. Mr Barroso was very supportive of UEFA's new financial fair play rules, which introduce a more sensible approach to football clubs' spending. UEFA's new financial fair play rules will be phased in between 2011 and 2013.

Another issue Mr Platini and Mr Barroso discussed was match-fixing and the integrity of sport, a very timely issue and one on which both agreed the support of national governments was crucial.

Finally, President Platini brought up promotion and development of national team football, an issue to close to his heart. Mr Barroso agreed national team sport reflects the EU's core ideas and their protection is crucial for the healthy development of European football.