Van Gaal calls for US-style financial balance in Europe

BAYERN MUNICH coach Louis van Gaal believes something needs to be done to create a more level playing field in European football as he prepares for tonight’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Manchester United.

The Dutchman last night explained his vision of a United States-style system of cash distribution which would reduce the growing gulf between England’s tycoon-led clubs and Germany’s more strictly-controlled, self-regulatory societies.

Bundesliga clubs remain restricted when it comes to excessive foreign investment due to a German regulation which dictates that at least 51% of club shares must be owned by members.

The Premier League, on the other hand, has seen a flurry of foreign investment – including the arrival of Malcolm Glazer at United, which is threatening to turn European football into a two-class society led by English clubs.

Germany’s insistence on financial transparency and strict regulations makes it hard for Bundesliga clubs to compete and Van Gaal would favour across-the-board uniformity, although he refuses to use that as an excuse for a potential failure of his side against United.

“I think I said this 10 years ago – we need to go into a system like in the USA with American football and basketball which has got to be regulated a bit better and stricter,” he said.

“That way it could be a bit more balanced between clubs in Europe and it would mean everybody would be playing with the same budgets.

“That is sport, that is fair play and, with all the conditions the same, then we could really play.”

Bayern are leading the lobby for a stricter control over club finances with chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge using his respect and authority within European football’s governing body to push for change.