The UEFA club licensing system, introduced at the start of the 2004/05 season, has brought new responsibilities for the European football family. In club football it is not always easy to look past short term goals, but club licensing ensures that underlying longer term objectives are also considered.

UEFA's club licensing system is based on a series of defined quality standards, which must be fulfilled in order for a club to be admitted to any of the UEFA club competitions. These minimum requirements cover many matters including youth football development, medical care, experience of club staff, coaching standards, stadium and training facilities, legal declarations, audited accounts, settlement of debts, additional financial disclosures and financial budgets with supporting assumptions, among the 34 specific criteria. These common minimum standards are contributing to improving the business credibility of club operations and act as an engine on the road to better transparency and governance of clubs and national associations.

A granted license by the national association proves that a certain quality level is achieved. Further independent checks on the proper application of the system at each national association reinforce the unique Europe wide nature of the system and helps further build trust across European football.

UEFA is entitled to not admit, or even to exclude clubs from playing in its competitions if they do not fulfil the requirements of the licensing system. UEFA believes that the system, which has been developed and continues to be refined in close cooperation with national associations, benefits everyone with a long-term interest in the health of football.

The wide adoption of club licensing, over 90% of all top division clubs in Europe applied for a club license in 2007/08, is an indication that the club licensing system is here to stay.

Club licensing matters are administered by UEFA's National Associations Division under UEFA director Theodore Theodoridis