Somebody sent me this link that explains a recent European Commission ruling on a local authority plan to lease out a municipal stadium to Chemnitzer FC in Germany.
http://legalknowledgeportal.com/201...-due-for-renovation-can-constitute-state-aid/
The Commission's state aid rules are extremely complex and, although they do contain a general prohibition of state aid, they do leave room for a number of policy objectives with which state aid can be considered compatible.
The report raises some interesting points that are of some relevance to the current situation with the Ricoh and lease/sale to CCFC:
Reading this and some of the links it refers to, leaves me with the feeling that if CCFC are offered a cheap long-term lease or if CCFC are offered the stadium freehold at a knockdown price, then the EC are likely to get involved. This involvement is also possible if the Judicial Review goes ahead.
If the EC do get involved, then there could be long-term ramifications for CCFC and its relationship with and tenure at the Ricoh which have possibly not been thought through by SISU if they do harbour any thoughts of a return.
http://legalknowledgeportal.com/201...-due-for-renovation-can-constitute-state-aid/
The Commission's state aid rules are extremely complex and, although they do contain a general prohibition of state aid, they do leave room for a number of policy objectives with which state aid can be considered compatible.
The report raises some interesting points that are of some relevance to the current situation with the Ricoh and lease/sale to CCFC:
- The Commission points out that although Chemnitzer does not play in international competitions, they could be competing with foreign clubs when attracting international players.
- It is stressed that the stadium is also to be used for amateur and cultural events.
- The rent that Chemnitzer has to pay is in line with the market.
Reading this and some of the links it refers to, leaves me with the feeling that if CCFC are offered a cheap long-term lease or if CCFC are offered the stadium freehold at a knockdown price, then the EC are likely to get involved. This involvement is also possible if the Judicial Review goes ahead.
If the EC do get involved, then there could be long-term ramifications for CCFC and its relationship with and tenure at the Ricoh which have possibly not been thought through by SISU if they do harbour any thoughts of a return.