It is not just the financial markets that need regulating. MEPs also want to spring clean the world of sport by creating a European file on hooligans, putting doping on a par with drugs trafficking, and regulating the player agent profession, according to a resolution voted in plenary session, on 2 February.

In a non-binding resolution, Parliament is asking for “violent supporters or those who have displayed discriminatory behaviour,” homophobic or racist, to be kept on file and banned from all European stadiums.

Furthermore, to combat match rigging/fixing, money laundering and illegal bets, MEPs are calling for the criminalisation of all fraudulent activity and the establishment of a licensing system for bet operators.

MEPs are also suggesting that the player agent profession be regulated by creating a European register of agents that lists the players they represent and requires that agents have a minimum of qualifications, that their fiscal headquarters be located on EU territory and that they respect a code of conduct to obtain a licence.

Lastly, MEPs are asking that obstacles preventing women from doing sports to be lifted and are calling for a better representation of women in sporting authorities.