October 10 – Time was when UEFA and Europe’s top clubs did not always see eye-to-eye but a new era of co-operation has been increasingly cemented in recent months.

While threats of a European breakaway super league have not entirely disappeared, it’s clear that European football’s governing body and the Continent’s most influential clubs are very much singing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to the most pressing issues, not  least financial ones, after UEFA and the European Club Association – which represents over 700 clubs across 55 countries – extended their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), originally signed in September 2023, to run through July 2033.

“This development further strengthens the close partnership between UEFA and the ECA,” UEFA said in a statement.

“It enhances their long-term collaboration on key governance, sporting and commercial matters for both men’s and women’s competitions.  Today’s extension ensures that clubs across Europe continue to reap a wide range of benefits and reaffirms both organisations’ commitment to driving the sustainable growth of European football at every level.”

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin (pictured right) welcomed the extension, stating: “Our partnership with the ECA is the foundation of an inclusive, sustainable and dynamic ecosystem that benefits the entire European football pyramid.  Together, we are committed to enhancing the global prominence of UEFA club competitions while ensuring that clubs of all sizes, across every region, continue thrive both on and off the pitch”.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi (pictured right) added: “This renewed Memorandum of Understanding between ECA and UEFA – extending our partnership to 2033 – is fantastic news for all European clubs; and for the future stability and growth of European football.”

“The MoU solidifies our collaboration with UEFA across governance, representation, sporting, regulatory, financial and commercial matters, which will ensure the continued development and success of the game at every level. With ECA’s membership now totalling over 715 clubs of all sizes across 55 countries in Europe, we are delighted to deepen our trusted relationship with UEFA, as the sole representative body of clubs in Europe.”

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