Key issues on Porto agenda

The UEFA Champions League marketing agency contract and pan-European transfer periods are key items on the agenda for the next meeting of UEFA’s Executive Committee, which takes place in Porto, Portugal on 23 and 24 January.

Agency decision
UEFA's executive body is likely to take a decision on the new Champions League marketing agency contract for the 2003/04 to 2005/06 seasons. Two bidders – IMG/TWI and Team Marketing AG – are on the shortlist. UEFA has formally notified current partners Team Marketing AG that the existing agency contract will be terminated as of 30 June 2003.

Transfer windows
The creation of unified transfer windows across Europe for domestic and international transfers is also on the agenda. The Executive Committee will be asked to approve the agreement reached by Europe’s top leagues at a meeting of UEFA’s Professional Football Committee in December.

Harmonised periods
Under the agreement, two harmonised transfer periods would be introduced from the end of the current season. The two periods would come in the summer – from the end of the domestic season to 31 August – and the winter – from 1 January to 31 January. For countries with seasons based on the calendar year, the summer period would begin on 1 July and end on 31 August, while the winter period would last from 15 December to 31 January. 

Agenda items
Other items up for discussion include a status report on the European Commission’s statement of objections to the sale of UEFA Champions League TV rights, and approval of the agenda and programme for the XXVI Ordinary UEFA Congress in Stockholm on 25 April this year.

Status report
A status report on preparations for EURO 2004™ in Portugal will also be presented to the Executive Committee.

Major events
The Executive Committee meeting is one of several major UEFA events in Portugal, the highlight of which is the EURO 2004™ qualifying competition draw at Europarque in Santa Maria da Feira, Porto on 25 January.

Youth draw
On 24 January, Porto’s Palacio Hotel hosts the draw for the first qualifying round of both the 2002/03 European Under-17 and Under-19 Championships