Roger Hampel
The European Club Association (ECA) has now surpassed 600 club members, reaching a total of more than 610 clubs spread across all 55 UEFA nations. This significant growth marks an increase from 266 members at the beginning of the 2023/24 season, demonstrating an impressive growth rate of 125%.
Unprecedented Growth in Membership
This growth is not limited to major footballing countries but spans every UEFA nation, with full membership now recorded in 15 of these nations. This inclusivity highlights ECA’s commitment to giving a voice to clubs of all sizes, reinforcing its role as a democratic and representative organization in the landscape of European football.
A Voice for All Clubs ECA 600
Under the leadership of ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the association has emphasized its role as a central figure in European football. Al-Khelaïfi describes this achievement as a “fantastic moment in our rapid expansion and positive evolution.” The ECA is actively involved in pivotal decisions that affect the sport, such as the international match calendar, the format of competitions, and the distribution of revenue, ensuring that the interests of all member clubs are considered.
Strengthening the Core of European Football
With this expansion, the ECA continues to position itself at the heart of European football, driving revenue for clubs and ensuring they have a significant say in major decisions. This unity and focus on collective interests underscore the ECA's dedication to not just the elite clubs participating in European competitions but also to smaller clubs throughout the continent.
Future Initiatives: Membership for All
Looking ahead, the ECA is exploring internal governance reforms to evolve its membership structure under the initiative 'Membership for All'. This initiative aims to allow every club, regardless of size or financial turnover, to become an ECA member and engage in meaningful decision-making. These proposed changes, which will later require approval at the ECA's General Assembly, are designed to enhance participation and inclusivity further.
The growth of the ECA to over 610 clubs is a clear indicator of its successful role in fostering unity and collaboration among football stakeholders across Europe. By placing clubs at the heart of football, the ECA not only champions the interests of its members but also significantly contributes to the development and popularity of the sport across the continent. As ECA continues to evolve, its impact on European football is poised to increase, promising a more inclusive and collaborative future for the sport.
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