As we step into 2025, the European Club Association (ECA) continues to provide invaluable support to its member clubs through a range of specialised services. One of the key areas of focus comes from ECA Legal Services, which has provided specialist support to a growing number of member clubs across Europe.
To date, ECA has received over 250 legal requests from 122 clubs across 45 territories during the 2024/25 season. These requests highlight the diverse legal challenges and opportunities that clubs face in the modern football landscape. From contract advice and training compensation to support with disputes and arbitration, the scope of legal assistance provided by ECA in support of member clubs is broad and complex.
“The help we have received from the ECA Legal team has been incredible” explains Jaime Segura, technical director at Swedish side Malmö FF. “We received prompt and professional legal advice regarding some contractual issues. This led to helping the club a few months later when it came to facing a similar contractual situation. ECA's legal services help clubs on matters that might offer an immediate impact to a club, however the advice can help the team grow and save money in the long run. It's one of the many "intangible-long term" gains that a club must have.”
ECA's legal team is dedicated to offering tailored advice and support to its members. By addressing the specific needs of each club, the legal services aim to safeguard the interests of clubs and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
Disputes and arbitration are the most common requests handled by the ECA Legal Services team, who have assisted numerous clubs during the 2024/2025 season. Sabri Benrabah, Legal Counsel at Belgian side Standard Liège was pleased with the overall service received by the ECA Legal team; "The support that we received from ECA in settling a dispute with another club over a player issue was crucial. Their expertise ensured a fair resolution for all parties, and we appreciated their guidance throughout the process."
At the heart of the ethos of the Legal Services team is the ability to offer advice to Members Clubs from all different levels of the game. This includes League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers, who are currently competing in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Noel Byrne, Club Secretary, highlighted the impact. “The wide-ranging advice we’ve received from ECA’s Legal Services has been invaluable for a subcategory four club like ours. With ECA’s recent growth, I have been encouraging all Member Clubs in Ireland to make full use of the legal support available.'"
As the football landscape continues to evolve, the need for legal support is greater than ever. ECA remains dedicated to offering comprehensive legal services, helping clubs through collaboration to navigate changes with confidence and ensuring they are prepared to face the challenges of the modern game.
Achilleas Mavromatis, Head of Legal Department at PAOK FC, stressed the value of this collaboration; "We are grateful for the responses and collaborative support from the ECA Legal Services team in addressing disciplinary matters and contractual disputes. Their invaluable guidance and quick assistance were crucial in helping us navigate these challenges and achieve successful outcomes."
ECA’s Legal Services offering is a vital resource for Member Clubs, providing expert guidance and support across a wide range of legal matters, from answering ad-hoc contractual and regulatory queries, to advising on arbitration proceedings. As the landscape of European football continues to change, these services will play a crucial role in supporting the growth and stability of clubs.
For clubs seeking legal advice or assistance, we encourage you to reach out to our dedicated legal team. Contact us at legal@ecaeurope.com to learn more about how we can support your club's needs.