The European Commission decided to register a new citizens’ initiative – the first for 2022 – on 2 February. Organisers of ‘Win it on the Pitch’ call for adopting a Council Recommendation on protecting the model of sport (especially football) in Europe, based on values, solidarity, sustainability, and open competitions.

‘Sport is an integral part of European society and culture’, outline the organisers, who want to stop the ‘takeovers by private individuals and groups whose only aim is to make money’.

Organisers have 6 months to launch the initiative and begin collecting signatures.