Nasser Al Khelaifi, the chairman of the European Club Association (ECA) Board, led a meeting in Dublin, Ireland where several key decisions were made regarding the future membership structure and growth of the organization. The Board approved a revision to the organizational regulations, merging the Partner/Network category into the Associated Member category. This change allows former Network/Partner clubs to elect members to the Board via the Subdivisions and grants them the same rights as Associated Members.
Al Khelaifi expressed pride in the significant growth of ECA membership, which has seen a 160% increase since the start of the 2023/24 season, reaching over 700 clubs in the ECA Family. The changes to the membership structure aim to make ECA more democratic, open, and inclusive for clubs across Europe. The approved revisions will be presented to the General Assembly for final ratification.
The Board also discussed the recent announcement of reduced ticket price caps for visiting fans in UEFA men’s club competitions for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons. Recognizing the importance of fans in the club game, Al Khelaifi highlighted the ability of ECA to find consensus through compromise, considering the diverse views of the 700+ member clubs. The collective position prioritizes fans and aims to drive football forward.
Additionally, the Board approved the appointment of Jean-Claude Blanc, Board Director at Manchester United FC, to the UCC SA Board of Administration and the ECA Board for the remainder of the 2023/27 cycle. The ECA Foundation Board confirmed its first three appointments, including Al Khelaifi, Dariusz Mioduski, and Joe Cerrell of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with further appointments planned for the future launch in 2025.
The ECA Youth Football Strategy was approved by the Board, with a mission to establish a globally recognized center of excellence in youth football, improve the youth football landscape, and enhance club protection. A Strategic Review was also approved to develop the overall direction of ECA and better serve the organization’s needs as its membership base expands. The Board highlighted the upcoming ECA General Assembly in Athens, Greece, scheduled from October 8-10 as the biggest ever assembly.
In conclusion, under the leadership of Nasser Al Khelaifi, the ECA Board made significant decisions to enhance the organization’s membership structure, prioritize fans in club competitions, and establish strategic plans for youth football development. The commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and progress reflects ECA’s dedication to serving its diverse membership base and driving football forward. With upcoming events and initiatives on the horizon, the ECA continues to evolve and grow as a leading force in European club football.
