UEFA, a country of its own

Sports journalist Johann Skocek reflects in the daily Der Standard on the role of the European Football Association UEFA: "In EURO everyone can romp around without identity cards, without language skills and without criminal records. ... The UEFA is the government of a landless country which is everywhere where people gather in its name. ... The country is called EURO, UEFA or the Champions League. It provides food and drink through price and menu regulations and creates a sense of togetherness through VIP logos, fences and magnetic barriers. Its government is sovereign and negotiates with other governments on an equal footing, gets the host countries to foot the bill for security measures and seeks tax relief on its revenues. This country practices the free market economy to the hilt: the government can permit itself any freedom and everyone else makes sure it lacks for nothing."

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