Happy Birthday, ECA!

On 27^th March 2018 the European Club Association (ECA) celebrated its 10^th anniversary in Rome/Italy. Like FCH in Handball, ECA represents the interests of European Top Football Clubs vis-à-vis UEFA, FIFA and European Union. During this period ECA succeeded to gain representation in various bodies of UEFA and FIFA. All matters concerning the European Cups are decided in a joint company where UEFA and ECA have equal voting rights. Compensation for release of players to the World Championships was increased from 0 in 2006 to 40 Mio USD in 2010, to 70 Mio USD in 2014 and to 209 Mio USD in 2018. Due to a very competitive market the value of the CL media rights increased dramatically. FIFA President Infantino and UEFA President Ceferin attended the celebrations and addressed the participants.

ECA and FCH are in a permanent exchange of information for the last 10 years. A permanent observer from ECA is attending the General Assemblies of FCH on a regular basis and vice-versa. Looking forward to the next 10 years, ECA!

During the last General Assemblies of the Men’s (Zagreb January 2018) and Women’s Forum Club Handball (Hamburg Dec 2017) it was decided to prolong the cooperation between both independent bodies until 30th June 2022.  The according agreement was signed by the two Presidents Xavier O’Callaghan (Men) and Zsolt Akos Jeney (Women) in Vienna on  6th March 2018. Accordingly Gerd Butzeck will remain Managing Director of both organizations until 2022.