UEFA has started publicly defending the Fair Play rules. Recently, there have been several scandals revealing how teams managed to avoid serious sanctions, but the European football organization believes in a bright future with strict restrictions. "Fair Play rules (FFP) were a step towards healthier finances in European football. Seven years ago, European clubs had a total debt of 1.7 billion euros, but just last year they earned 600 million euros. Therefore, FFP undoubtedly contributed to success. UEFA checks clubs annually, and new information received may force re-opening previously closed investigations," the statement reads. "Throughout the FFP history, there have been 30 violations, but agreements have been reached with all clubs, except one," FIFA president Gianni Infantino, former UEFA general secretary, is quoted as saying.
