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In late January, with one vote against (ZSC Lions) and one abstention (Ambri), the twelve National League clubs decided to increase the number of foreigners from four to seven beginning in the 2022/23 season and abolish the state. of Swiss licenses. .
Then there were protests from the association, fans and players. This culminated in concerted action by the Sihpu Players Association, in which all five National League games started two minutes late on February 20.
Protest after the first confrontation: National League teams strike against league reform(00:41)
The pressure on the league, which presented a bleak image, grew. Marc Lüthi, CEO of SCB, one of the refurbished turbos, spoke of being “giant bottles in communication”. One tries to correct that now.
No decisions until the end of the season
“In recent weeks there has been an emotional discussion about the planned league reform. Those responsible have not been able to present the arguments in an understandable way, package the communication and resolve differences of opinion internally, ”a league press release reads.
The events were discussed in detail at the AG National League board meeting on Monday. Everyone involved continues to agree that immediate action is required. “However, additional decisions regarding league reform should only be made after the end of the season this summer.”
Working group with players’ association
The league recognizes Sihpu “as an important partner for the future joint development of the National League.” Together with the Sihpu, it was decided to form a working group. One of the objectives of this is to find joint solutions for the required salary reductions. Sihpu president Jonas Hiller and league director Denis Vaucher spoke Tuesday.
“Financial fair play”, to which the foreign decision is linked, should also play a central role. Advice was sought from the Secretariat of the Competition Commission (WEKO) to clarify whether this can be implemented. A response is expected this month.
The league, which has carried out its reform on its own thus far, is setting a new tone: “All National League actors – players, fans, sponsors, donors, media, etc. – should be included. in the future design of the National League. ” A large-scale survey was started under the working title “Dini Liga”.
The question of foreigners is discussed again
Topics such as the “number of foreign licenses per season” and possible solutions for existing foreign players with Swiss licenses will also be discussed in more depth.
It is also necessary to clarify how you want to face the descent (suspended until 2022) and the promotion in the future. The core component is “the granting of investment protection for clubs that have invested a lot of money in new infrastructure in recent years and today.” But it is clear: “In the future, both the sporting and the economic criteria should decide the affiliation to the league. Neither a completely closed league nor the possibility of purely financial purchases in the National League is being considered. “
Television and marketing rights for 2022/23 will be tendered soon, together with the association.
