European clubs welcome UEFA Executive Committee decisions

As per the Memorandum of Understanding between ECA and UEFA signed in March 2012, UEFA makes available a share from the EURO revenues to the clubs in recognition of the important contribution they make to the success of the UEFA EURO tournament.

Following a proposal put forward by the ECA Executive Board, the UEFA Executive Committee today agreed that the principles for distribution will be identical to the ones used for the UEFA EURO 2012.

Since the new distribution concept is based on a 23 players squad for the UEFA EURO 2016 qualifiers (compared to 18 players for the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers) and the final tournament, for the first time, will see 24 participating teams, more players will have to be taken into account and, subsequently, more clubs will benefit overall. Commenting on today's announcement, ECA Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said:

     "With an increased amount available for club distribution, we have reached another level. It is a strong sign of UEFA's recognition of the important contribution clubs make to the success of the UEFA EURO qualifiers and the final tournament. The distribution model will again benefit many clubs in Europe, which is great news for club football as a whole."

Additionally, the UEFA Executive Committee today confirmed the ECA proposal put forward in relation to the revenues withheld as part of pronounced Financial Fair Play sanctions. As presented to the clubs and announced last week at the occasion of the 13th ECA General Assembly, the concept foresees that the €24.134m available will be distributed among all clubs that participated in UEFA's club competitions in the 2013/14 season. 80% of this amount will be allocated to the Champions League and Europa League Group Stage participants in equal shares (€264'482 per club), whilst 20% will be distributed among all clubs eliminated during the qualifying rounds (€31'140 per club). The payments will be made before the end of the year. ECA Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said:

     "We are very pleased to hear that UEFA confirmed ECA's proposal. This distribution concept is a great sign of solidarity between big and small clubs."

Lastly, the UEFA Executive Committee confirmed an updated competition format for the UEFA Youth League as of the 2015/16 season. The European Club Association welcomes the inclusion of domestic youth champions allowing for more countries to be represented in the competition. This concept was elaborated as part of a review process involving UEFA, ECA and EPFL through a dedicated working group.