FIFA: creation of a global framework for the licensing of clubs by the end of 2016

"FIFA will create a global club licensing framework by the end of 2016, working with the six regional confederations to improve club football by setting minimum standards in key areas such as stadium safety, fan experience and youth football development," said the international federation on 20/08/2015.

"The FIFA Club Licensing system requires clubs to commit to minimum standards and principles in five key areas:

• Sporting criteria, e.g. clubs must have a youth development programme; clubs must promote fair play.
• Infrastructure criteria, e.g. clubs must have safe, comfortable stadiums for fans, families and media; clubs must have training facilities.
• Personnel and administrative criteria e.g. clubs must have qualified coaches and medical staff and professional, well-educated management.
• Legal criteria, e.g. clubs must adhere to international statutes; club ownership must be transparent and fair.
• Financial criteria, e.g. independent auditing of club finances."

FIFA will propose minimum standards in each of these areas and each confederation will then adapt to these standards…