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RC Len's Neil El Aynaoui challenges with Maximilian Eggestein of Sport-Club Freiburg  in the UEFA Europa League
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Clubs

Collaboration with clubs at all levels of the game is essential for the continued success of our men's and women's competitions as well as the long-term stability and sustainability of European football.

Our close working relationship with European clubs, particularly through the European Club Association (ECA), plays a fundamental role in delivering some of the best sports competitions in the world.

The partnership with the ECA and its membership of more than 500 clubs, goes back to a 2008 memorandum of understanding (MoU), which recognised the association as the sole body representing the interests of European clubs.

Our longstanding cooperation covers a range of issues facing men’s and women’s clubs, including governance, representation, regulatory, financial and sporting matters. Most recently, it has helped to facilitate the 2024–27 evolution of our men's club competitions.

"The memorandum of understanding formalises agreements between UEFA and the ECA and establishes solid foundations for the continued development of European club football."

European Club Association chair Nasser Al-Khelaïfi

Building on more than 15 years of working together, in 2023, we renewed the MoU, extending our cooperation with the ECA until 2030. At the heart of our agreement lies a joint commitment to the core principles of the European sports model that underpin all UEFA competitions, including an open system of promotion and relegation and qualification on sporting merit.

The revamped agreement will yield benefits for club football across the continent. For example, a new revenue distribution model introduced as part of the 2024–27 club competition cycle will see an unprecedented increase in solidarity payments to clubs that do not qualify for Europe. It also incorporates the evolution of UEFA Club Competitions SA – the joint venture between UEFA and the ECA – to further drive the commercial development of UEFA’s club competitions.

How we collaborate

Two ECA representatives sit on our Executive Committee with the same rights and duties as other members.

We also work with professional European clubs in our various standing committees and working groups, ensuring they are consulted on matters related to our competitions and the overall sustainability of the game.

Where we work together

UEFA’s cooperation with clubs includes:

Our club competitions

  • Qualification, structure and scheduling, as well as logistical and promotional activities

Financial distribution

  • Mechanisms for prize money and solidarity payments to non-competing clubs

Club licensing and financial sustainability

  • Criteria for awarding UEFA club competition licences; adherence to our financial sustainability regulations

Regulatory and disciplinary matters

  • Player eligibility, transfers, disciplinary matters and conduct

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

  • Raising standards and promoting values

Youth development

  • Incentives for talent development

Stadium infrastructure and facilities

  • Standards for sustainability, safety, accessibility and amenities

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