European Football Clubs Unveil New Identity with 800+ Members

The European Football Clubs (EFC) has officially launched its new identity during its 32nd General Assembly in Rome, Italy. Formerly known as the European Club Association (ECA), EFC now represents over 800 members from 55 nations, aiming to ensure that clubs and their interests remain central to the sport of football. The rebranding reflects the organization’s commitment to embodying the diverse range of clubs it represents, while also enhancing its mission of supporting growth and development among its members.

EFC serves both men’s and women’s clubs of varying sizes across Europe. Its primary goal is to empower each member club and to guarantee that they play a significant role in decision-making at regional and global football levels. The new identity is a testament to the transformative journey the organization has undertaken over the past two years.

Membership Growth and Strategic Initiatives

Since its last major update, EFC has more than tripled its membership, now including 139 women’s clubs. This growth has been facilitated by modernizing its governance structure, which has opened doors for clubs of all sizes, thus amplifying their collective voice.

In addition to expanding membership, EFC has been instrumental in refining competition formats. These changes aim to increase the number of clubs participating in European and international football, a move that has received positive feedback from both fans and stakeholders.

Furthermore, EFC has strengthened strategic partnerships with UEFA and FIFA, ensuring that the voices of clubs are actively shaping the future of football worldwide. This collaboration has resulted in substantial revenue increases for clubs across Europe and has established record funding for clubs participating in national team events.

In a notable achievement, EFC has committed to providing over €440 million annually in solidarity funding for clubs not involved in European competitions. Additionally, it has allocated $250 million in solidarity funding for the recent FIFA Club World Cup, demonstrating its dedication to the broader football community.

Influence in Future Tournaments

The organization has also launched a central Membership department, designed to offer 24/7 support for its members. This initiative addresses various challenges that clubs face, including legal, financial, commercial, and digital issues.

A landmark development expected in 2025 is the joint venture named UC3, established in partnership with UEFA. This unprecedented initiative positions clubs as equal partners in defining the commercial future of men’s and women’s European club competitions. A similar partnership is anticipated with FIFA, further solidifying the collaborative spirit in football.

During the launch event in Rome, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Chairman of EFC, addressed the audience, which included club leaders and football legends. He remarked, “The launch of EFC is a milestone moment in our great institution’s evolution and modernisation. Our name finally matches our purpose, and we will never stop working for the collective interests of all our members.”

The General Assembly in Rome serves as a platform for hundreds of leaders in the football community to discuss the future of the sport. The event features talks from notable figures such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lucy Bronze, and Sara Gama, alongside a live episode of the popular football show, The Overlap, hosted by Gary Neville and others.

Additionally, EFC plans to launch the EFC Women’s Network in collaboration with Women in Football, alongside various forums for clubs, players, and officials to engage in discussions about the opportunities and challenges facing the sport. This comprehensive approach underscores EFC’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive football community.

As EFC moves forward, it remains dedicated to collaborating proactively with UEFA, FIFA, and other global stakeholders to ensure that club voices are integral to shaping the future of football.

For more information, visit www.efcfootball.com.