Historic football agreement
Wednesday 16 January 2008
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UEFA, FIFA and clubs have joined forces (©Getty Images)
FIFA, UEFA and a number of top European clubs have announced the signature of a letter of intent, which, they say, "starts a new chapter in the relations between the governing bodies and the clubs".
Presidents' philosophy
"The development is very much in line with the sporting and political philosophy of FIFA President Joseph S Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini, who seek to involve all key stakeholders in the decision-making processes of football and to find workable solutions within the football family itself. The European clubs share this philosophy," a statement issued on Tuesday added.
Future relationship
In a historic meeting at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, the representatives of the organisations present agreed on the intention to regulate their future relationship with a number of actions. These are to include the planned evolution of the European Club Forum into the European Club Association (ECA), the formal signature of a memorandum of understanding with UEFA and subsequently the dissolution of the G-14 with the withdrawal of its claims in court.
UEFA/FIFA commitments
As part of the planned moves, UEFA and FIFA will enter into a series of commitments, including financial contributions for player participation in UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups, subject to the approval of their respective bodies.
Historic occasion
Mr Blatter hailed the meeting as a landmark occasion and a turning point in modern football. "Something very special has happened today," he said. "The clubs, which are the basic cells of our game and fundamental to its thriving, are at last to become a part of the pyramidal football organisation. Today's letter of intent gives a big boost to football. We have reached this positive conclusion by taking care of the legitimate aspirations and requests of clubs to access the decision-making levels of international football."
Logical step
Mr Blatter's positive sentiments were echoed by his counterpart at UEFA, President Michel Platini. "The demands of the clubs to be heard and to be associated, also financially, are well-founded," he said. "The letter of intent signed today is not a political step, but a logical one."
Friendship and confidence
Speaking on behalf of the clubs, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta praised the outcome of the meeting, emphasising that "friendship and confidence is the basis for our game. I compliment the UEFA President on having implemented the change he promised when he came to office. It is a victory for all."
European Club Association
At a meeting of the European Club Forum on 21 January, UEFA will propose to the European clubs the intention to create a new body that will represent their interests at European level. This new club body – to be known as the European Club Association – will consist of more than 100 clubs across Europe, including representatives from each one of the 53 national associations of UEFA. The new body will be independent but recognised by UEFA through the above-mentioned memorandum of understanding.
Click here for the statement and the list of participants.
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