ECA calls on member clubs to adhere to Financial Fair Play rules

Financial Fair Play

ECA was pleased to welcome the Chief Investigator and Chairman of the Investigatory Chamber of the Club Financial Control Body, Mr. Jean-Luc Dehaene, as key note speaker. Mr. Dehaene used his address to update ECA Members on the Club Financial Control Body and the so-called Soft Implementation Test Phase to which 38 clubs voluntarily participated allowing for a simulation of the break-even requirement. It was made clear that there is still some work to do, as the figures analysed are not satisfactory.

Following his intervention during the plenary session, Mr. Dehaene stated:

     "I am still very worried about the current situation. The Financial Fair Play Regulations are known for more than two years, but I have the impression that some clubs still need to do their homework."

ECA Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge commented on Mr. Dehaene's presentation as follows:

     "ECA Members unanimously endorsed the Financial Fair Play project back in 2010. However, it seems that quite a few clubs have not understood the message. Time has come to take the new rules seriously. ECA will continue to support Financial Fair Play."

Memorandum of Understanding 2012: Implementation Update

UEFA EURO 2012 Benefits Distribution

Following this summer's successful UEFA EURO 2012 tournament, UEFA has finalised the financial provisions related to the tournament in order to confirm the payments to the clubs for their contribution to the competition. In total, 575 clubs representing 52 UEFA member associations will receive payments. This represents a substantial increase in beneficiaries when compared to the distribution after UEFA EURO 2008, for which 180 clubs received payments.

Club Protection Programme

UEFA presented ECA Members with key facts and figures relating to the Club Protection Programme, which was introduced in time for the start of the UEFA EURO 2012 in Poland/Ukraine. The initial period, which was fully covered by UEFA, lasted from 15 May until the 31 August 2012. As a result of injuries occurred during the UEFA EURO 2012 final tournament and the preparation phase, 11 cases were reported within the 28 days following the accident. Subject to final confirmation, the total days of insurance for all cases is approximately 830 days with an average salary per day of EUR 9,629. Since 1 September 2012, the insurance policy is in effect under same conditions on a worldwide level and fully covered by FIFA.

Season 2012/13 - 207 member clubs

ECA is pleased to announce that 6 new member clubs have joined the organization. For the 2012/13 season, the association totals 207 member clubs (103 ordinary and 104 associated members). The following clubs have been approved as ECA Associated Members:

New Executive Board Member

At the end of the 2011/12 season, Ernesto Paolillo resigned from the ECA Executive Board after having left his position at FC Internazionale Milano. In line with ECA Statutes this triggered Executive Board Elections. Mr. Andrea Agnelli, Chairman of Juventus (ITA), was elected new Executive Board Member for the remaining period of the current membership cycle, which lasts until the end of the 2012/13 season.

Launch of ECA Report on Youth Academies

Based on an initiative by the ECA Youth Working Group, ECA has today launched the first ECA Report on Youth Academies. The report provides a comparable perspective that underlines the different approaches and philosophies of youth academies in Europe. Over the last couple of years, a dedicated ECA Task Force made several field visits to youth academies of different sized-clubs from across the continent. This has formed the basis of a qualitative analysis involving detailed case studies. The report also offers a wider picture via information gathered through a survey, responded to by 96 ECA Member Clubs. This survey has revealed many interesting facts and figures on topics including organisational structure, scouting, coaching, education, and infrastructure.

ECA to celebrate 5th anniversary in February 2013

The 10th ECA General Assembly coincides with the association's 5th anniversary; reason enough to organize a special event with all ECA Members to reflect on the success of the association to date. To celebrate this landmark, the next ECA General Assembly will take place on 4-6 February 2013 in Doha, Qatar. Furthermore, and in response to the positive feedback received from clubs around the world following the signing of the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding with UEFA, ECA has decided to share its experience/knowledge with interested clubs from all confederations by organizing a workshop in the scope of said General Assembly.