From Working Group Week in Vienna, to a groundbreaking climate alliance at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan and a ExCo metting in Paris it’s been a very busy November at ECA.
The month started in the Austrian capital, where ECA hosted its annual Working Group Week, bringing together stakeholders from across the continent to address various challenges at the heart of European football, including men’s football development, legal and regulatory frameworks, and commercial innovation. The three-day event encouraged collaboration and exchange, resulting in actionable outcomes to enhance the game’s governance, operations, and structure. Sustainability and inclusivity were key themes throughout the week, reflecting ECA’s commitment to fostering progress beyond the pitch. From improving competitive balance to exploring new technologies for fan engagement, the event highlighted ECA’s dedication to supporting its members through shared knowledge and collaboration.
ECA seized the opportunity to engage with Austrian clubs during its Club Meet-Up, strengthening relationships within the region. Participating clubs included FC Salzburg, SK Austria Klagenfurt, WSG Tirol, SK Sturm Graz, SKN St. Pölten, LASK, FC Blau-Weiß Linz, and FK Austria Wien. These interactions underscore ECA's commitment to fostering collaboration and addressing challenges in football across the continent.
ECA achieved a historic milestone with its inaugural participation at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The association hosted a landmark conference, co-presented by the COP29 Presidency and Qarabağ FK, showcasing football’s leadership in combating climate change. Presentations from clubs like Liverpool FC and Atlético de Madrid, along with expert panel discussions from ECA and UNFCCC representatives, highlighted this effort. Additionally, ECA launched the Football Clubs Alliance for Climate, which unites clubs globally to collectively address climate issues, starting with 11 renowned clubs as initial signatories.
In Geneva, ECA's Financial Sustainability Conference saw over 300 attendees discussing a range of issues from UEFA’s latest financial sustainability rules and updates from the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) along with updates on UEFA’s Club Competitions Distribution Model.
ECA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) met in Paris at the brand-new training facility of PSG. Important topics included the progression of UEFA Men’s and Women’s Club Competitions, future strategies, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Discussions also covered player welfare, multi-club ownership, the transfer system, and environmental sustainability, especially in the context of the Football Clubs Alliance for Climate.
On the same day, ECA partnered with Feyenoord to host the Men’s Medical and High-Performance Forum. Held at Feyenoord’s cutting-edge training facilities the two-day event showcased the latest advancements in player care, from injury prevention to recovery and performance enhancement.
The second ECA Academy Visit of the season took place at Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion. This visit focused on critical issues surrounding young player development, emphasising sustainability topics such as child and youth protection, player welfare, and safeguarding. These areas are essential for ensuring that academies nurture well-rounded individuals while protecting young players.
