Cardiff City FC joins ECA through its top-flight women’s team, marking a new milestone for European club football and women’s football in Wales
European Club Association (ECA) has hit a significant milestone, welcoming Cardiff City FC as its 750th member club.
Fresh off their 2024/25 Adran Premier title win, Cardiff City’s membership through its women’s team highlights the growing prominence of women’s football and the expanding role of clubs in shaping the future of the European game. As one of Wales’ most successful women’s teams, this news celebrates a significant development for both the domestic and international game.
Cardiff City FC Women have consistently excelled in Welsh football. They are multiple-time league champions, FAW Women’s Cup winners, and have represented Wales in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Their on-pitch success is matched by a strong commitment to youth development, creating clear pathways for emerging talent and driving the women’s game forward at all levels – a strong alignment to ECA’s core values, sitting at the heart of football.
Recognised by UEFA and FIFA as the sole representative body for football clubs in Europe, ECA has member clubs from all UEFA national associations. It supports them in a range of areas including advocacy to ensure clubs are at the heart of decision making in football, knowledge-sharing events that bring clubs together from all over Europe and member services that support clubs in their development on and off the pitch.
By joining ECA, Cardiff City will gain access to:
- Expert-led development initiatives and strategic knowledge sharing
- Eligibility for ECA’s dedicated Women’s Football Working Group
- Representation in European and international football decision-making structures
- Opportunities to participate in events and executive education courses focused on supporting the growth and development of clubs
- Support in key areas such as governance, sustainability and youth development
Reflecting on the news, ECA Chairman, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi said: “Congratulations to Cardiff City FC for being the latest club to join the ECA family. Reaching 750 member clubs is a proud milestone for all of us at ECA, as it is a clear reflection of the strength and unity of clubs of all sizes, spanning 55 countries across the continent — emphasised even more so by a women’s team bringing us to this point in our journey.
“ECA believes that the impact of football is much greater when we act as one, for the good of everyone. With a shared value of solidarity, football can do so much more for every club, community and fan who support the game. Our growing membership is a testament to the trust placed in ECA and the vital role clubs and their wider community play in driving European football forward.”
With their proven track record and community-driven ethos, Cardiff City FC Women are playing a leading role in the rise of women’s football in Wales. Their ECA membership reflects the broader movement toward greater visibility, investment and opportunity in the women’s game.
Ken Choo, Cardiff City FC Executive Director & CEO said: “We are delighted to become the 750th member of ECA. Joining this network of elite European clubs will provide us with exclusive access to the latest research and insights from across Europe, with unique opportunities to connect with a wide network of clubs to exchange ideas, share best practices and forge valuable partnerships.
“We are thrilled that our Women’s team will be representing Wales in Europe again next season, having qualified for the UEFA Women’s Champions League as Genero Adran Premier League winners for the third consecutive campaign. Through the collaborative efforts of ECA and UEFA, Cardiff City Women now have a greater opportunity to progress in Europe, following reforms to the UWCL and the introduction of a second competition. We are looking forward to working closely with ECA as we seek to further advance the development of women’s football.”
This milestone underscores ECA’s ongoing commitment to building a united and inclusive football community, offering opportunities and support for clubs of all levels across both the men’s and women’s game.