Common use of BASIS OF THE COOPERATION Clause in Contracts

BASIS OF THE COOPERATION. The basis for this agreement is as follows: 1.1 UEFA and FIFPro Division Europe, both institutions with a European profile, mutually recognise each other and resolve to reinforce their cooperation and dialogue on the major issues in football today. 1.2 The parties share similar concerns and values. It is in the context of these common concerns and values that this agreement and some annexes are made. These concerns and values include, for example: - the key values such as solidarity, equality and fraternity which have underpinned the development and growth of both the sporting movement and the trade union movement; - an equitable redistribution of wealth; - collective rather than individual exploitation of resources; - a commitment to democracy; - the need to treat all members equally, regardless of wealth or size (members for FIFPro being national player unions and their individual members; members for UEFA being national associations and their affiliated regional associations, leagues, clubs, players and other members); - the importance of the link that binds all levels of football; - the need to preserve the values of sport in the face of growing corporate control, influence and commercialisation which can cause serious damage to the parties, their members and their values; and - the protection and development of a large and healthy professional football sector in Europe. 1.3 More specifically, the parties recognise: - the specificity of the career of a professional footballer; - the specificity of sport, the autonomy of federations and the fact that football is best-served by the existing football family structures (although the balance of representativeness of key stakeholders within those structures can be developed further); - that national team football provides net benefits to players, clubs, leagues and associations alike, and is an essential complement and balance to club football; - that strong national championships and competitions are vital for a large professional football sector to exist; - that the continuing participation of all players and clubs in the main national leagues and UEFA club competitions is essential to support the existence of a large and healthy professional football sector in Europe; - the need for a correct balance between labour legislation and the specific characteristics of football as a sport (which might also be achieved through collective bargaining agreements); and - that disputes should be resolved within football and the importance of balanced representation in dispute resolution. 1.4 Seek solutions to the major issues in football by all those involved (players, clubs, leagues, federations, confederations and FIFA) within legitimate structures, favouring consultation and resolving disputes within a football framework and making use of methods of social dialogue such as collective agreements. 1.5 The balance between national and international legislation, particularly with regard to the right to work, and taking into account the specific characteristics of football as well as the autonomy of the governing bodies of the sport. 1.6 The parties agree to conduct all relations in a spirit of good faith, trust, transparency, democracy, responsibility and professionalism.