ENTERING A NEW PLAYING FIELD

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 WORKING CLOSER WORKING TOGETHER LEADING THE WAY FOR FOOTBALL CLUBS IN EUROPE FOREWORD FROM MESSAGE FROM GENERAL THE ECA CHAIRMAN THE UEFA PRESIDENT SECRETARY’S REPORT PAGE 06 PAGE 08 PAGE 10

UEFA MEMORANDUM NEW CLUB COMPETITION FIFA AGREEMENT & OF UNDERSTANDING DISTRIBUTION CONCEPT RELATED MATTERS PAGE 14 PAGE 16 PAGE 20

FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY PLAYER & UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE TRANSFER MATTERS SEASON PAGE 28 PAGE 36 PAGE 32

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL INTEGRITY MATTERS EU MATTERS PAGE 42 PAGE 46 PAGE 48

ECA SEASON 2014/15 ECA INSIDE OUTLOOK PAGE 54 PAGE 66 PAGE 74

APPENDIX PAGE 76 FOREWORD FROM THE ECA CHAIRMAN 01

FOREWORD FROM THE

ECA CHAIRMAN Dear Members and Friends of ECA,

It is with great pride that I write this foreword for this year’s annual report. A report which, in my opinion, summarises an extraordinary season for our association. It was only in 2012 that we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UEFA. The framework for the international match calendar was improved, the club benefits for the EURO tournament were increased and an insurance programme for national team players was put in place. In fair and serious negotiations with FIFA and UEFA we managed to take our relationship with both organisations to the next level: club football emerges financially stronger and the clubs’ influence has grown. The fact that FIFA is now listening to the clubs speaks for itself. With regards to UEFA, the inclusion of ECA representatives in the UEFA Executive Committee is a huge achievement of ECA. We have had a constructive partnership with UEFA ever since we signed the MoU in 2012, but to see UEFA agreeing to an early renewal of the MoU is a testament to the great work done by European clubs. I take the opportunity to thank everyone that has contributed to these developments over the past membership cycle. It was a real team work. As we look ahead, European club football is financially stronger than ever. The increasing revenues from European club competitions and the revised distribution concept for the 2015-18 competition cycle will put everyone in a much stronger financial position. Solidarity among European clubs was once more paramount. Higher revenue shares for clubs, however, also bear the risk of over-spending in the short term. The financial fair play (FFP) regulations remain an important tool. The rules have already contributed to a positive development since they were introduced in 2010. It is essential that we keep on supporting FFP, and it is equally important that we use our experience gained over the past years to adapt the regulations to the new economic circumstances. The next season will see an important development from a political point of view: the FIFA presidential election. A new FIFA president will certainly result in changes. Needless to say that we will therefore follow the process very closely. As we enter a new ECA Membership Cycle with the 2015/16 season, I can only thank all of you for your continuous support and trust in our association. I believe our success story so far is unique. The 2014/15 season will certainly remain a season to remember. But then again, I am convinced a new chapter of our success story will be written. With this in mind, I look forward to another team-building, interesting membership cycle!

I wish you all the very best for the new season.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge ECA Chairman

6 7 MESSAGE FROM THE UEFA PRESIDENT 02

MESSAGE FROM THE

UEFA PRESIDENT Dear Representatives of the Board and Member Clubs of the European Club Association, I am delighted to have the opportunity to address you once again in ECA’s annual report on the 2014/15 season. I am proud to be able to look back on another successful campaign both on and off the pitch for both of our organisations. First of all, let me salute what was an historic season for Sevilla FC, who succeeded in defending their UEFA Europa League title and have now lifted that trophy a record four times. The final in Warsaw against FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk was a spectacular occasion and earned Sevilla FC a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League – their first as winners of the UEFA Europa League. In the UEFA Champions League, FC were crowned kings of Europe once again after an exciting encounter with Juventus in the beautiful city of . Congratulations to both clubs! There is no doubt that the 2014/15 season also represented an important milestone in the cooperation between our two organisations, with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in March of this year. This new agreement illustrates the excellent cooperation between ECA and UEFA and builds on everything we have achieved so far following the creation of ECA back in 2008. It will further strengthen the ties between us and ensure that we have the stability we need for years to come. Clubs clearly have a significant role to play in the governance of European football, and this MoU aims to take further steps in that direction. The agreement also underlines, once again, the key contribution that clubs make to national team football, and the EURO in particular. Bearing in mind that we are on the verge of a new club competition cycle, we have also taken this opportunity to review and modernise the financial distribution that takes place through our club competitions. Solidarity has always been a key tenet of this model, and this has now been strengthened further and set in stone in this agreement; with more revenues being earmarked for the UEFA Europa League and the various solidarity payments. All of these achievements would not have been possible without the relentless efforts of your Chairman, Mr Rummenigge, the members of your Executive Board, and your General Secretary, Mr Centenaro, all of whom I would like to thank for their constructive and positive approach throughout our discussions. I would also like to express my gratitude for your strong support of financial fair play. We have seen considerable improvements in the financial health of club football, with the aggregate losses of European clubs decreasing from around € 1.7bn in 2011 to slightly over € 400m in 2014. This is all thanks to your efforts. After listening to you carefully, and while keeping the overall objectives of financial fair play in mind, we have adopted new regulations on club licensing and financial fair play, as we now move from a period of austerity to one where we can offer more opportunities for sustainable growth and development. Another product of our close cooperation is the UEFA Youth League, the second edition of which took place this year. Chelsea FC performed brilliantly to lift the trophy this season, while discussions took place off the pitch with a view to improving the tournament further in the future. A revamped UEFA Youth League with more participants – including national youth champions and representatives of more national associations – will be unveiled next season. This is an excellent development innovation giving even more young players the opportunity to experience European competition.

Finally, I wish you all the very best of luck for the 2015/16 season.

Michel Platini UEFA President

8 9 GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT 03

by the FIFA World Cup, the amounts UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE ECA MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT available for distribution will almost grow threefold from $70m for the 2014 FIFA At the end of a very successful two-year For the 2014/15 season, ECA counted World Cup Brazil, to $209m for the 2018 trial period, the UEFA Executive 214 Member Clubs. Two clubs became and 2022 tournaments. Finally, FIFA Committee confirmed the permanent ECA Associated Members at the committed to cover the Club Protection status of the UEFA Youth League (UYL) beginning of the season due to their GENERAL competition. However, following a review group stage participation in the 2014/15 Programme (CPP) until the end of the agreement, now also including the process led by a dedicated UYL Working UEFA Champions League, namely women’s international match calendar. Group, composed of representatives of PFC Ludogorets (BUL) and Malmö FF REPORT ECA, UEFA and EPFL, a new competition (SWE), while two clubs lost their ECA format will be implemented as from Associated Membership as a result SECRETARYʼS the 2015/16 season in order to allow of bankruptcy and relegation to amateur FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY for the participation of more domestic level respectively, namely Aris FC (GRE) At the end of the 2014/15 season, youth champions and, hence, a wider and FK Liepajas Metalurgs (LVA). for the upcoming seven years. The fourteen clubs were found in breach representation of national associations in In the meantime, the ECA Executive renewed agreement is a continuation of the financial fair play regulations and the competition. Therefore, as from next Board composition was altered due of the strategic partnership ECA and individually agreed to sign settlement season, the number of teams competing to the departure of Aušrys Labinas UEFA have developed since 2008 and agreements. In this respect, the UEFA will be increased from 32 to 64. (FK Ekranas), who was replaced by Dino will include both the 2018-21 UEFA club Executive Committee ratified a distribution Selimović (FK Sarajevo) for the remaining competition cycle and the UEFA EURO mechanism proposal submitted by ECA period of the 2013-15 cycle. 2020. The agreement notably provides for the withheld prize money resulting ECA WOMEN’S clubs with a greater role in top-level from non-compliance with the regulations. FOOTBALL COMMITTEE governance and an increased share Finally, and in time for the start of All of the above outlines just a few of of funding. In fact, from now on, two ECA the 2015-18 club competition cycle, The ECA Women’s Football Committee the many activities and topics ECA dealt Club Representatives will sit at the UEFA a new version of the Club Licensing and (WFC) has continued its work during the with during the 2014/15 season. As you Executive Committee, while the UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations has 2014/15 season, which has seen women’s can read, it has been a very intense Club Competitions Committee will further come into force. The new rules, which football increasingly gaining importance and rewarding year for our organisation, grow in importance and power. The clubs’ are the result of a two-year review and at the highest level. In particular, two and a great way to successfully end financial benefits for the UEFA EURO consultation process between ECA and major achievements have been reached. the important 2013-15 ECA Membership 2020 will increase and be calculated as UEFA, are set to strengthen the spirit At global level, women’s football will now Cycle. I am personally very satisfied a percentage of the total gross revenue, of FFP by taking into consideration be covered by the FIFA Club Protection with last season’s achievements and and a new Club Competition Distribution the changing economic environment Programme (CPP), while at European I am also strongly convinced we have set Concept, elaborated to balance the and the experience gained since the first level investments into women’s football will a very solid foundation for the new cycle increasing revenue gap between the regulations came into effect. now be exempted from the break-even to come. Obviously, as an association UEFA Champions League and the UEFA calculation under the new FFP regulations. aimed at serving you, our member clubs, Europa League, will allow more funding our continuous growth and development for all as from the 2015/16 season. PLAYER AND TRANSFER MATTERS can only be the result of your constant EU MATTERS commitment and contribution, both Several amendments were made to essential elements for a bright future AGREEMENT WITH FIFA the Regulations on the Status and Transfer Following the appointment of a new of ECA. of Players (RSTP) which came into force EU Commissioner for Sport, the ECA A new collaboration agreement between on 1 March 2015, with the most important Executive Board acknowledged the Finally, I would like to wish you an Dear ECA Members, season, but we managed to make good ECA and FIFA was also signed at the changes concerning issues such as importance in developing a relationship enjoyable read and take the opportunity progress as well on a number of other beginning of 2015, representing the the protection of minors, overdue payables with the commissioner at the beginning to thank everyone for their hard work for The 2014/15 season has been, without dossiers of great importance for European first-ever bilateral and binding agreement and the implementation of national of his mandate and organised a meeting the past two years. I am already looking doubt, an extremely important one for clubs. Traditionally, this annual report between the two organisations. The deal, dispute resolution chambers. Third-Party which concluded with the signing of a forward to another successful two-year ECA. With our organisation now reaching reflects on the past season, summarising which will run until the end of 2022, will Ownership (TPO) has also been in letter of intent committing ECA to support ECA Membership Cycle and an exciting seven years of existence, the concluding everything that has happened and benefit clubs from both a governance and the spotlight in the last season with the the “EU Week of Sport”. In the meantime, 2015/16 season. season of the 2013-15 ECA Membership outlining all decisions of relevance. financial perspective. On the governance decision by the FIFA Executive Committee ECA has continued to participate actively Cycle has seen us concluding landmark side, it was decided to create the FIFA to completely ban the practice. The new in the various working groups of the EU agreements with both UEFA and FIFA. Some of the key topics of the 2014/15 Professional Football Department, regulations came into force on 1 January Social Dialogue. I am particularly pleased with the season can be summarised as follows: composed of FIFA, ECA and player 2015. As part of the debate on how to constructive approach that characterised representatives. This department will serve improve the transfer system, discussions the negotiations with both UEFA and FIFA as a platform to discuss and exchange with FIFPro have reached a deadlock and of course with the final outcome of the UEFA MEMORANDUM views related to professional football and situation due to diverging opinions process, which allows our organisation to OF UNDERSTANDING to make recommendations to the relevant on certain matters. As a result, we have move forward with confidence into a new At the end of March 2015, ECA and FIFA committees. With regards to the invited FIFPro to hold bilateral meetings era. These two new agreements were of UEFA announced the renewal of their distribution of club benefits generated to resolve the issues and find solutions. Michele Centenaro course the main achievements of the past Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ECA General Secretary

10 11 FOREWORD FROM THE ECA CHAIRMAN 01

KEEPING OUR POSITIONS REPRESENTED AT UEFA AND FIFA

12 13 UEFA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 04

INCREASED ROLE FOR UEFA CLUB UEFA EURO 2020 CLUB BENEFITS COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE For the first time at the 2020 tournament The new MoU further increases the role of the clubs’ financial benefits from

the UEFA Club Competitions Committee UEFA EURO 2020 will be calculated as 200 UEFA MEMORANDUM (CCC), wielding more meaningful a percentage of the total gross revenue. influence on top-level decision-making. Clubs will receive 8% of income OF The CCC refers directly to the UEFA from broadcast, commercial and 150 Executive Committee and will retain ticketing/hospitality, with the minimum set a “referral right” on a number of issues at € 200m – a € 50m increase on the clubs’ UNDERSTANDING 100 affecting clubs or club competitions. share of UEFA EURO 2016 revenues. It will also be informed and consulted

ECA and UEFA have announced the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The renewed on marketing, financial and disciplinary 43.5 agreement is a testament to the strength of the strategic partnership ECA and UEFA have developed matters. The CCC will be exclusively since 2008; with the new memorandum now including both the 2018-21 UEFA club competition cycle and composed of club representatives. UEFA EURO 2020. The agreement sets a new benchmark for the relationship between clubs and national Subject to revision of UEFA Statutes in associations, providing clubs a greater role in top-level governance and an increased share of funding. 2016, the CCC will be transformed into 2008 2012 2016 2020 the so-called “Club Football Council” to underline its higher status as opposed to the UEFA Committees. ECA TO JOIN THE UEFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CLUB COMPETITION DISTRIBUTION CONCEPT 2015-18 The UEFA Congress ratified in March 2015 the principle to allow stakeholder Given a new record-breaking revenue pot available for club distribution in 2015-18, representation in the UEFA Executive together with UEFA, we have jointly elaborated a new distribution system for the new Committee. In the future, two ECA Club competition cycle. The overall aim of the new system is to balance the increasing Representatives will participate in the revenue gap between the UEFA Champions League (UCL) and the UEFA Europa UEFA Executive Committee as non-voting UEFA League (UEL) by sharing the competitions’ revenue growth more evenly among EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE members. The presence of ECA Club European clubs. With 32% higher revenues, the total gross revenue amounts to Representatives as full members with € 2.2bn for each of the upcoming three seasons. voting rights in the UEFA Executive Committee will be implemented at the next UEFA Congress, pending the 2’200

necessary statutory changes. This is a 300 major achievement for ECA and a strong CLUB FOOTBALL 1’662 statement of UEFA’s commitment to COUNCIL 243.3 modern and dynamic governance models. % Most importantly, it is an unequivocal +32 Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Andrea Agnelli. % acknowledgement of the clubs’ importance +23 to the European game. The ECA Executive 1’900 1’418.7 Board decided to appoint Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (FC Bayern München) +34% and Andrea Agnelli (Juventus) to join UEFA the UEFA Executive Committee on behalf COMMITTEES of ECA for the first time. 2012-15 2015-18

UEFA Executive Committee including ECA Members In summary, the new system allows for a greater proportion of funds than ever before going to UEL participants, to participants in the qualifying rounds and to clubs in medium/smaller championships. The concept means more funding for all as the introduction of a percentage-based system ensures that every stakeholder will benefit proportionally from the competitions’ continued growth. The full details of the new distribution system can be found on the following pages. Only three years after the last MoU between ECA and UEFA was signed, we have again made a step forward and we are proud to have completed this virtuous circle for the good of the European game in collaboration with UEFA. The new agreement runs until 31 May 2022.

14 15 NEW CLUB COMPETITION DISTRIBUTION CONCEPT 05

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

The global forecasted pot available per season for distribution to clubs in the UCL 2012-15 2015-18 NEW CLUB COMPETITION amounts to € 1ʼ257.3m. Clubs involved All amounts in € m in the play-offs will receive € 50m: € 2m Total 999.7 1ʼ257.3 to each play-offs winner and € 3m to the Play-Offs* 42.2 50 eliminated clubs. The amount of € 1ʼ207m CONCEPT Group Stage 957.5 1’207.3 DISTRIBUTION available to the clubs from the group stage onwards will be split as usual between fixed amounts and market pool. % % However, the market pool will be reduced Fixed Amounts 55 526.6 60 724.4 As part of the renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ECA and UEFA have together developed from 45% to 40% of the total and fixed % % Market Pool 430.9 482.9 a revolutionary distribution mechanism for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) and UEFA Europa League amounts increased accordingly to 60%. 45 40 (UEL) moving forward. The new system aims at sharing the competitions’ revenue growth more * Play-Offs Allocation 2015-18: € 2m for the winners, € 3m for the losers (vs € 2.1m per team in 2012-15). evenly underlining a great show of solidarity among European clubs. As opposed to the old system, all revenues of the two competitions will be centralised into one single pot. The combined revenue pot is complemented by UEFA Finals ticketing and hospitality income, which brings the total amount of gross revenues to € 2.24bn for the 2015-18 competition cycle. Furthermore, the redistribution to participating clubs will be based on a fixed ratio of 3.3:1 between UCL and UEL, which means that, in the future, FIXED AMOUNTS (€ 724.4M) the group stage. The teams playing ticketing revenue share. A club could everyone will benefit in proportion to the revenue growth. in the round of 16 will receive € 5.5m receive, at best, € 54.5m, not counting Each of the 32 clubs involved in the each, the quarter-finalists € 6m each the play-offs and the market pool share. group stage will receive a group stage and the semi-finalists € 7m each. In addition, the winners of the 2015 UEFA allocation of € 12m. On top of this, there CONCEPT 2012-15 CONCEPT 2015-18 The UCL winners will receive € 15m and Super Cup can expect to receive € 4m Two separate pots per competition One global pot for both competitions will be performance bonuses: € 1.5m for the runners-up € 10.5m, inclusive of their and the runner-up € 3m. every win and € 500k for every draw in

All amounts in € k GROUP STAGE KNOCK-OUT STAGE SUPER CUP 1’900 300 Phase GS Fee Performance 1/8 Finals 1/4 Finals 1/2 Finals Runner-Up Winner Runner-Up Winner Tickets & Hospitality Win 1ʼ500 / 12ʼ000 5’500 6’000 7’000 10’500 15’000 3’000 4’000 Finals 2015-18 Draw 500* 40

Win 1ʼ000 / 8ʼ600 3ʼ500 3ʼ900 4ʼ900 6ʼ500 10ʼ500 2ʼ200 3ʼ000 1’418.7 243.3 2012-15 Draw 500 No. Clubs 32 32 16 8 4 1 1 1 1

Total 38ʼ400 144’000 88’000 48’000 28’000 10’500 15’000 3’000 4’000 2’240 * Non-distributed amounts (ie € 500k per draw) reallocated to winning teams in proportion to the number of wins.

All amounts in € m the existing system, half of the amount by one or more clubs in the UCL group TOTAL GROSS REVENUES 2ʼ240 MARKET POOL (€ 482.9M) representing the value of each market stage is eliminated in the play-offs, UCL/UEL Direct Costs (12% of gross revenue) -268.8 The amount of € 482.9m will be will be split among the clubs based 10% of the respective association’s distributed according to the proportional Solidarity Leagues (5% of gross revenue) -112 on their performance in the previous market pool share related to previous value of each TV market represented Solidarity Qualifying Rounds (3.5% of gross revenue) -78.4 domestic league championship and domestic league performance will be by the clubs taking part in the UCL the other half will be paid in proportion allocated to the eliminated club. This is Total Net Revenue 1ʼ780.8 group stage onwards and be split to the number of matches played by each a new arrangement, not contemplated UEFA Share (8%) -142.5 among the clubs participating from a team in the 2015/16 UCL. Each time that in the distribution system beforehand. Club Share (92%) 1ʼ638.3 given association. In accordance with a club of an association represented

UEFA Champions League Club Share 1ʼ257.3 RATIO 3.3:1 UEFA Europa League Club Share 381

16 17 NEW CLUB COMPETITION DISTRIBUTION CONCEPT 05

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE SOLIDARITY PAYMENTS TO CLUBS NOT QUALIFIED TO THE GROUP STAGES

The amount available every season for An enhanced distribution system 3.5% of the overall revenues. An amount if not involved in the UCL play-offs). clubs participating in the UEL as from for solidarity payments for clubs not of at least € 78.4m will be distributed, In addition, any domestic champion not the group stage onwards is forecasted All amounts in € m 2012-15 2015-18 competing in the UCL group stage or compared to € 47.5m in the 2012-15 cycle, qualified for the group stage of the UCL UEL group stage has also been adopted thus representing an increase of around will receive € 250k. In the UEL, these at € 381m in the 2015-18 cycle, compared Group Stage 232.3 381 to € 232.3m in the 2012-15 cycle, thus for the 2015-18 cycle. The distribution 60%. Clubs eliminated prior to the solidarity payments will amount to: € 200k representing a very substantial increase to clubs participating in the qualification UCL group stage will receive the in the first qualifying round, € 210k in of around 65%. This amount will be % % phases of either competition (except following amounts per round: € 200k in the second qualifying round, € 220k in Fixed Amounts 139.4 228.6 distributed to participating clubs on 60 60 those qualifying to the group stage of the first qualifying round, € 300k in the the third qualifying round and € 230k % % the UCL, which will not be entitled to second qualifying round and € 400k in in the play-offs (the latter only if not a 60:40 basis between fixed amounts Market Pool 40 92.9 40 152.4 and market pool, as applied already these solidarity payments) will represent the third qualifying round (the latter only qualified to the UEL group stage). in the 2012-15 cycle.

FIXED AMOUNTS (€ 228.6M) the group stage. The winners of the each and the semi-finalists € 1.5m each. NO. NO. 2012-15 2015-18 2012-15 2015-18 groups will receive a qualification bonus The UEL winners will receive € 6.5m and All amounts in € k Each of the 48 clubs involved in the CLUBS CLUBS of € 500k and the runners-up of € 250k. the runners-up € 3.5m, inclusive of their group stage will receive a group stage Q1 6 150 200 104 120 200 The teams playing in the round of 32 ticketing revenue share. A club could allocation of € 2.4m. On top of this, there will receive € 500k each, the teams receive, at best, € 15.31m, not counting Q2 34 175 300 66 130 210 will be performance bonuses: € 360k for playing in the round of 16 will receive the market pool share. every win and € 120k for every draw in Q3 15 200 400 58 140 220 € 750k each, the quarter-finalists € 1m PO - - - 22 150 230

NB: "Emergency Fund" for exceptionally long travel to be finalised. KNOCK-OUT All amounts in € k GROUP STAGE KNOCK-OUT STAGE QUALIFICATION BONUS Phase GS Fee Performance 1/16 Finals 1/8 Finals 1/4 Finals 1/2 Finals Runner-Up Winner Runner-Up Winner

Win 360 / 2’400 500 750 1’000 1’500 3’500 6’500 500 250 2015-18 Draw 120* SOLIDARITY PAYMENTS TO CLUBS NOT QUALIFIED FOR UEFA CLUB COMPETITIONS Win 200 / 1ʼ300 200 350 450 1ʼ000 2ʼ500 5ʼ000 400 200 2012-15 Draw 100 The solidarity payments to non-participating more than 35%. 80% of this amount will be the distribution to national associations clubs via their national associations distributed to national associations and/or and/or leagues will no longer be No. Clubs 48 48 32 16 8 4 1 1 12 12 and/or leagues, formerly amounting leagues with at least one club participating exclusively based on their market value, Total 115’200 51’840 16’000 12’000 8’000 6’000 3’500 6’500 6’000 3’000 to 6.5% of the UCL clubs’ share, will in the UCL group stage and 20% to but 60% of the available amounts will be now represent 5% of the overall gross national associations and/or leagues distributed in equal shares amongst all * Non-distributed amounts (ie € 120k per draw) reallocated to winning teams in proportion to the number of wins. revenues of the two competitions. A total without participating clubs. Only clubs not national associations and/or leagues of € 112m will be distributed to national participating in the group stage of either and only 40% will follow the market value. associations and/or leagues for their competition will be entitled to a share of This will ensure a fairer distribution of clubs, compared to € 82.4m in the 2012-15 these solidarity payments. Furthermore, solidarity amounts to European clubs. cycle, thus representing an increase of MARKET POOL (€ 152.4M) stage onwards and be split among on their performance in the previous the clubs participating from a given domestic season and the other half The amount of € 152.4m will be distributed association. In accordance with will be broken down into as many shares NEW SYSTEM 2015/16 according to the proportional value the existing system, half of the amount as rounds of the competition and of each TV market represented by 112 (100%) representing the value of each market distributed to the clubs participating the clubs taking part in the UEL group will be split among the clubs based in the different rounds of the UEL. Total Amount

89.6 (80%) 22.4 (20%)

Leagues with participating clubs in Group Stage Leagues without participating clubs in Group Stage

Equal share total 53.76 (60%) Equal share total 13.44 (60%)

Market value total 35.84 (40%) Market value total 8.96 (40%)

NB: No specific allocation for play-offs (ie 2012-15) and first distribution season will be 2016/17.

18 19 FIFA AGREEMENT & RELATED MATTERS 06

FIFA WORLD CUP CLUB BENEFITS 2018 & 2022

Part of the agreement also governs The distribution mechanism will be the distribution of club benefits identical to the method used in 2010 & generated by the FIFA World Cup. and 2014, which benefited 375 and FIFA AGREEMENT For the 2018 FIFA World Cup 396 clubs respectively. $ 209m is the 209 209 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, same amount that is distributed to FIFA’s every club which supplies players for member associations for every the tournament will receive a proportional World Cup cycle. share of $ 209m, up from $ 70m for RELATED MATTERS the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

70 FIFA AGREEMENT 40

2010 2014 2018 2022 At the occasion of the 14th ECA General Assembly in , ECA Members were informed that a new collaboration agreement was signed with FIFA. It is the first ever bilateral and binding agreement between clubs and the world governing body: it means recognition, protection and motivation for the clubs whose players light up the international stage. The deal, which will run until 31 December 2022, will benefit clubs from both a governance and financial point of view. FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 IN QATAR

INTERNATIONAL MATCH CALENDAR INSURANCE GOVERNANCE Almost five years after the announcement of Qatar as the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the conclusion The international match calendar for FIFA committed to cover the Club We now have a mandate to promote is reached that the final tournament will not be played during the traditional slot in summer. The FIFA nd the period 2019-22 will be based Protection Programme (CPP) until the end clubs’ interests at FIFA level and develop Executive Committee decided that the 22 edition of the FIFA World Cup will be played in November on the same principles as for 2015-18. of the agreement. In the future, the CPP a collaborative working relationship and December 2022. It will be structured in two-year cycles, will also include permanent disablement with FIFA. The creation of the so-called each composed of nine double-dates and cover the women’s international “FIFA Professional Football Department”, FIFA TASK FORCE ON QATAR the middle of the traditional club football and less extreme than the temperature (with the exception of one additional match calendar. The women’s coverage composed of FIFA, ECA and player season and to comply with acceptable experienced in some previous World Cups double-date in June 2016 and 2020 for came into effect on 1 January 2015 with representatives, will serve as a platform A dedicated task force, chaired by FIFA climatic conditions. (ie Mexico 1986, USA 1994, Brazil 2014). all confederations except UEFA). For the the mechanism and criteria being exactly to discuss and exchange views related Executive Committee Member Sheik To allow for such a proposal, the start of We mandated Meteosuisse to carry out duration of the agreement, any change the same as for the men’s programme to professional football. More precisely, Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, was the European domestic leagues for the a study, which proved that the average to the international match calendar will described in the technical bulletin. the FIFA Professional Football Department entrusted with the mission to propose season 2021/22 would have had to be wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) require our consent. will make recommendations to the an alternative time period for the staging anticipated by a maximum of two weeks. (ie a composite temperature used relevant FIFA Committees that deal with of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The task Furthermore, two-to-three additional to estimate the effect of temperature, matters impacting the professional game. force was composed of representatives mid-week fixtures would have had to be humidity, wind speed/chill and sun from FIFA, confederations, national included and, if necessary, the UEFA radiation on humans) for suggested associations, leagues, clubs as well as Champions League round of 16 be kick-off times did not exceed 31°C between the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee. played over two weeks (instead of the 2003 and 2013 (NB: at FIFA matches, We were formally represented by current four). In such case, the 2021/22 additional cooling breaks are considered 1st Vice-Chairman Umberto Gandini and season would have seen a total of when the WBGT is above 32°C). General Secretary Michele Centenaro. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 48 dates available to play domestic league Whilst the alternative April/May (spring) and cup fixtures before the World Cup. proposal was very welcomed by many ECA/EPFL JOINT To accommodate additional club football participants, in particular all present APRIL/MAY PROPOSAL fixtures, the international double-date leagues, and was thus considered a viable ORGANISING FIFA STRATEGIC FIFA CLUB FOOTBALL FIFA PLAYERS' in March 2022 would have had to be alternative, the majority of the task force COMMITTEE FOR THE COMMITTEE COMMITTEEFIFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STATUS COMMITTEE Whilst initially only two winter proposals FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP removed. Apart from that, there would have members expressed their preference for were put up for discussion, the so-called been no impact on national team windows. the World Cup to be played in November/ “January/February” and “November/ Significantly, this proposal would not December. Given that the two bidding December” options, we (in collaboration have clashed with the Winter Olympic cities for the 2022 Winter Olympics with EPFL) elaborated a serious alternative (ie Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Beijing FIFA PROFESSIONAL Games in 2022 and would have had suggesting to host the World Cup from 28 (China PR)) pledged to host the Winter FOOTBALL DEPARTMENT no impact on any of the confederations’ April to 29 May 2022. The main objectives tournaments in 2023. We also pointed Games from 4-20 February 2022; that for elaborating an alternative solution were out that the temperature in Qatar in April/ the month of Ramadan begins on 2 April to avoid playing the World Cup in May is significantly lower than in June/July in 2022; that consistently hot conditions

20 21 FIFA AGREEMENT & RELATED MATTERS 06

prevail from May to September in Qatar; The task force also proposed a reduced operational test event in November/ FIFA WORLD CUP 2014 CLUB BENEFITS and that, for legal reasons, the World Cup World Cup schedule and explored the December 2021. must be played within the calendar year option of staging the FIFA Confederations The FIFA Executive Committee confirmed Similar to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and as part of an agreement between ECA and FIFA 2022 – the November/December window Cup 2021 in another Asian country during the task force’s proposal to host the was considered the only remaining the traditional June/July window, while signed in 2008, FIFA allocated an amount from the benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil to clubs World Cup in November/December 2022 effective option. the FIFA Club World Cup could potentially in order to recognise the important part they play in the success of the tournament. at its meeting in March 2015. be relocated to Qatar to serve as the We were pleased to announce that DISTRIBUTION OF THE BENEFITS 396 clubs affiliated to 57 different national 396 BY EUROPEAN CLUB (TOP 20) associations from around the globe AMOUNT # CLUB | COUNTRIES INTERNATIONAL MATCH CALENDAR 2018-24 received a share of the benefits from ($) the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Number of clubs $ 69’189’167m 1 FC Bayern München | GER 1’734’367 The agreed provisions set aside were eligible to receive Total amount | Following the decision that the FIFA World Cup 2022 will be played in November and December 2022, $ 40m for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South a share distributed 2 Real Madrid ESP 1’297’800 the FIFA Qatar Task Force reconvened in a reduced composition to discuss and finalise the international Africa and $ 70m for the 2014 event in 3 Chelsea | ENG 1’253’233 match calendar for the 2018-2024 period. Brazil. The payments were distributed via the national associations to the clubs 240 4 FC Barcelona | ESP 1’191’167 of the 736 players who participated in As part of the process, the task force first The task force recommended to keep to have enough holidays/rest before the 5 Manchester United FC | ENG 1’160’367 of all confirmed that the World Cup shall the current pattern of nine double-dates start of the new season; clubs to have a the final competition. $ 53’191’367m 6 SSC Napoli | ITA 1’100’867 be played in 28 days, starting on Monday spread over a two-year cycle with the sufficient pre-season preparation; leagues A club’s share of the $ 70m is calculated Number of Distribution to European clubs European Clubs 21 November and lasting until Sunday exception of one additional double-date for to fit in the fixtures without having to start 7 by reference to the number of players eligible to receive (76.9% of total) Arsenal FC | ENG 1’081’267 18 December 2022 (Qatar’s National Day). all confederations, except UEFA, in even the domestic league too much in advance; from a club who were selected for their a share 8 Juventus | ITA 1’043’933 The proposed release date was set on years (which is already current practice). and associations to maintain the two national team for the FIFA World Cup (60.6% of total) Monday 14 November with a commitment double-dates. For 2022, it is suggested to move the 2014 and the number of days each 9 Manchester City FC | ENG 1’009’167 to release the players one day earlier October double-date to June, which results Finally, it is suggested to push back by two player was at the tournament. This period (13 November) in case the club played its 10 Paris Saint-Germain FC | FRA 973’933 in two consecutive double-dates at the end weeks the September 2022 double-date started two weeks before the opening 99 league game on Saturday. $ 37’648’100m of the season (30 May to 14 June). This to allow for a more balanced calendar. match of the final competition, up until 11 FC Zenit St. Petersburg | RUS 866’367 solution was the only one allowing players the day after his national team was Distribution to ECA Member Clubs eliminated. More specifically, the “total 12 FC Porto | POR 854’933 Number of ECA (54.4% of total) Member Clubs amount per player” is calculated by 13 Borussia Dortmund | GER 851’667 JUNE 2021 1 2 3 4 5 6 DOUBLE DATE 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 eligible to receive multiplying the number of days a player a share JULY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 14 FC Internazionale Milano | ITA 840’933 was present at the 2014 FIFA World Cup (25% of total) AUGUST 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 by a fixed amount “per player per day”, SEPTEMBER DOUBLE DATE 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 15 Liverpool FC | ENG 807’333 OCTOBER 1 2 3 DOUBLE DATE 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 which was set at $ 2ʼ800. Of the “total NOVEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 DOUBLE DATE 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 amount per player”, a pro rata share is 16 FC Schalke 04 | GER 766’033 DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 then passed on to the club(s) with which 17 AC Milan | ITA 704’667 2021/22 JANUARY 2022 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 a player was registered in the two-year FEBRUARY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 period before the final tournament 18 Club Atletico de Madrid | ESP 681’567 MARCH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 DOUBLE DATE 30 31 DISTRIBUTION (ie season 2012/13 and 2013/14). OF THE BENEFITS APRIL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 19 SS Lazio | ITA 670’133 BY CONFEDERATION MAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Of the 396 clubs benefiting from such 20 JUNE 2X DOUBLE DATE 4 GAMES IN TOTAL 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 payments, 240 clubs are registered with Tottenham Hotspur FC | ENG 649’600 JULY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 a European national association. The total AUGUST 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 list of clubs also includes clubs that are SEPTEMBER 1 2 3 4 DOUBLE DATE 14 15 16 17 18 DOUBLE DATE 28 29 30 DISTRIBUTION OF THE BENEFITS not playing in their domestic top division OCTOBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 DOUBLE DATE 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 BY NON-EUROPEAN CLUB (TOP 5) % NOVEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 FIFA WORLD CUP and clubs from national associations 8.9 CLUB | NATIONAL DECEMBER FIFA WORLD CUP 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 whose national team did not participate % AMOUNT 76.9 CONCACAF # ASSOCIATION | ($) JANUARY 2023 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 in the final competition. In order to be CONFEDERATION

2022/23 45 CLUBS UEFA FEBRUARY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 eligible to receive a share of the benefits, CS Herediano | Costa Rica 240 CLUBS 1 455’000 MARCH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 DOUBLE DATE 29 30 31 clubs were asked to fill in, sign and return % CONCACAF APRIL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 6.7 a club application form to FIFA. Club América | Mexico MAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 % AFC 2 385’000 1.8 CONCACAF JUNE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 DOUBLE DATE 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 57 CLUBS CAF Esteghlal Teheran | Iran 3 378’933 20 CLUBS 5.7% AFC FIFA Qatar Task Force recommendation for revised international match calendar. Persepolis FC | Iran CONMEBOL 4 351’867 34 CLUBS AFC CD Olimpia | Honduras A final decision on the composition of the 2018-24 international match calendar is expected to be made at the FIFA Executive 5 338’333 Committee Meeting in September 2015. CONCACAF

22 23 FIFA AGREEMENT & RELATED MATTERS 06

Australia, Canada, Cape Verde Islands, In addition, one claim was received from FIFA CLUB PROTECTION PROGRAMME NUMBER OF INJURED PLAYERS Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, , clubs in the following national leagues: BY NATIONALITY DR Congo, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, FYR 2. Bundesliga, Albanian Superliga, The FIFA Club Protection Programme (CPP) covering the injury risk of players while on national Macedonia, Georgia, Greece, Honduras, , Arany Ászok Liga, , team duty has now been in place for over three years, since the UEFA EURO 2012 in Poland/Ukraine. 11 , Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Bulgarian A Professional Football Group, With new statistics illustrating the findings of losses now available, the figures below provide an Liberia, , Nigeria, Norway, Chilean Primera División, English Football overview of the CPP for the period 15 May 2012 until 31 December 2014, covering both the UEFA EURO League Championship, Japanese J2, 8 Panama, , , Slovakia, 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Whilst the claims from the 2014 FIFA World Cup are now included in , Team GB, Turkey, . Liga Portugal, Peruvian Primera División, Switzerland the report, the number of claims constituting the sample group of this report remains rather limited and Scottish Third Division, South Africa PSL, 5 it is unlikely that a true picture of claims will appear until the CPP has been in place for a longer period. Superleague Greece. For this reason, the value of the analysis must be considered in that context, with one case outcome 5 NUMBER OF INJURED PLAYERS possibly having significant impact on overall averages. BY LEAGUE COMPLEXITIES ENCOUNTERED Uruguay English Premiership 4 The complexities and challenges,

Netherlands 26 encountered and addressed, during the PERIOD BETWEEN ACCIDENT LOSS STATISTICS Serie A handling of the claims remain consistent 4 AND FIRST NOTIFICATION OF 17 and include but are not limited to: LOSS (FNOL) NOTIFICATION NUMBER OF REPORTED LOSSES Bundesliga • Conflicting or inadequate medical 4 According to the technical bulletin a club In total 16 evidence in respect of the accident Chile and resultant bodily injury must report the incident within 28 days 132 La Liga 4 after the date of the accident. Claims • Inconsistent and changing TTD period Losses admitted (including 9 without prejudice and compromise settlements) Korea Republic 14 reported later than this will be rejected. data supplied by club 112 - France The average reporting period from injury 4 7 • Unusual or complex banking to first notification of loss (FNOL) was Losses falling within 28 days excercise period arrangements Eredivisie 25.5 days, with the fastest being 1 day 8 3 • Delays in providing requested information and the longest 161 days. Peru 7 Losses falling outside CCP criteria Russian Football • IT security measure conflicts 3 6 Czech Republic 4 • Quantification of social security RESPONSE TO FNOL NOTIFICATION Swiss Super league and tax obligations Losses pending (further medical/salary information requested) 3 Every initial response has been issued to 4 5 France the club within 24 working hours of FNOL MLS

Losses declined (due to late notification) 3 RECOMMENDATIONS TO CLUBS notification. The average period between 3 1 Poland FNOL notification and claims handler Liga MX Whilst the CCP has now been in place issuing full and detailed correspondence, 3 for over three years, FIFA remain keen to 3 requesting documentation to include Guatemala implement appropriate improvements to DAILY SALARY OF INJURED PLAYER (€) Belgian Pro League specified medical information, is 10.2 days 3 ensure clarity in relation to the protection Lowest salary with a range between 1 and 35 days. USA 3 provided and to deliver a claims process Premier League that ensures all valid claims continue This includes weekend and holiday 46 3 to be paid as promptly as possible. days and it should be noted that in most Highest salary 2 Brasil To that end, considerable analysis of the cases other communications confirming Turkey Super Lig 24’731 3 details were exchanged prior to the issue claims submitted has been undertaken 2 of the detailed letters. The variance in Paraguay and a number of key areas have been K League Classic identified as worthy of additional focus periods tends to reflect the complexity SOCIAL SECURITY CHARGES (%) 3 2 to assist the process. Whilst full details, of the medical issues, the detail of Lowest Bulagaria Israeli Premier League including definitions, can be found in documentation provided and resultant 0 3 the technical bulletin of the CPP, a list consideration period required to provide 2 Highest of recommendations to clubs was a full and accurate response. Danish Superliga The table above details the top 19 countries compiled to assist them in the effective 33.12 by player nationality, from which there 2 submission and administration of any are at least 3 player claims. In addition, Ekstraklasa claims. The full list of recommendations two claims were received from each of 2 can be found in the Appendix. the following player countries: Portugal, Liga Nacional de Fùtbol de Guatemala The CPP has been extended for the Mexico, South Africa, Armenia, Northern 2 period 2015-18 and will now also cover Ireland, Ghana, , women’s international A-matches. , Belarus, Argentina and . The total cost for this cycle is estimated Finally, one claim was received from at € 100m. Overall, the feedback from each of the following player countries: clubs to FIFA has been very positive.

24 25 FOREWORD FROM THE ECA CHAIRMAN 01

TACKLING THE ISSUES OUR MEMBERS CARE ABOUT

26 27 FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY 07

CLUB FINANCIAL CONTROL BODY DECISIONS

The Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) Investigatory Chamber announced that for 2014/15 in total FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY 14 clubs, which were found in breach of the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, individually agreed to settlement agreements.

Similar to 2013/14 season, the settlement Furthermore, the CFCB Investigatory FINANCIAL DISTRIBUTION MECHANISM agreements, which aim at ensuring each Chamber confirmed that two clubs, CONTRIBUTIONS club achieves break-even compliance whose settlement agreements were OF WITHHELD PRIZE MONEY with minimal delay, include some or all Defined as (i) money to be withheld concluded in May 2014, have fully of the following provisions: from revenues earned from complied with the terms of their Since the launch of Financial Fair Play (FFP), ECA has called upon UEFA to ensure that any withheld participation in UEFA competitions; agreement, which covered the sporting or (ii) an amount to be paid in full prize money, because of non-compliance with the regulations, should be made available to all clubs BREAK-EVEN AND season 2014/15. As a consequence both participating in European competitions. The UEFA Executive Committee ratified a distribution FINANCIAL TARGETS by a certain deadline – such clubs have exited the settlement regime. contributions shall not impact future mechanism proposal submitted by ECA. Defined as (i) annual and aggregate break-even calculations break-even results as per individual summary settlements, and/or (ii) 14 Whilst in some cases a certain be entirely redistributed to other to the group stage participants of the If a club does not qualify for UEFA financial covenants on the level of percentage is withheld conditionally, clubs participating in the UEFA club UEFA Champions League (UCL) and competition in the following season, employee benefit expenses (total and will be returned to the respective competitions, since these clubs UEFA Europa League (UEL) in equal it will still be subject to the terms of 9 wages and other benefits) and player’s club if it fulfils the operational and have been impacted by other clubs’ shares; whilst 20% shall be distributed the settlement agreement. The individual 2 transfer costs amortisation incurred financial measures agreed with the non-compliance with FFP rules. among all clubs participating in the settlement agreements as well as UEFA Club Financial Control Body, Following discussions with UEFA, qualifying rounds (with the exception, in the relevant reporting period(s) 7 a club-by-club summary for information Settlement over it was announced that the unconditional we recommended that the amounts of course, of those clubs that have purposes are published and available Settlement on-going amount available for immediate available should be distributed among signed settlement agreements). This SPORTING for download on www..org. 2013/14 2014/15 distribution to clubs amounted to all clubs that participated in UEFA’s club distribution concept is a further sign of MEASURES approximately € 24m in 2013/14 and competitions in the respective seasons: our commitment to enhancing solidarity Defined as limitations on (i) the number € 27m in 2014/15. All amounts will 80% of this amount shall be allocated among European clubs. of players included on the A-list related to UEFA competitions, and/or (ii) the registration of newly-transferred players AMOUNT OF MONEY on the A- and B-squad lists related WITHHELD to UEFA competitions

for UCL/UEL for UCL/UEL Group Stage Clubs Qualifying Round Clubs 80% 20%

€ 19’307’200 € 4’826’800 2013/14 24’134’000 clubs entitled to receive € clubs entitled to receive NEW FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY REGULATIONS 2015-18 an equal share an equal share 73 155 Since its implementation, the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules have achieved considerable results within a short period of time, in particular a significant decrease of overdue payables and aggregate net losses. € 264’482 € 319’000 Notwithstanding these achievements, the regulations were always considered a “living document”, which allows for adjustments to the rules and for them to evolve over time. In time for the start of the 2015-18 club competition cycle, a new version of the Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play The indicative amount of money withheld for the 2014/15 season is € 27’000’000. The distribution system will be identical to the one regulations has now come into force. applied in 2013/14. The new Club Licensing and Financial Financial Fair Play Panel and the UEFA of the current system. The amendments Fair Play (FFP) regulations are the result Administration was created to review and are set to strengthen the spirit of of a two-year review and consultation assess the existing regulations. With the FFP by taking into consideration the process between ECA and UEFA. Under overriding objective of FFP remaining the changing economic environment and the the auspices of the UEFA Club Licensing same, the proposed changes elaborated experience gained over the last five years Committee, a dedicated working group by the joint ECA-UEFA working group since the regulations came into effect. composed of representatives of the ECA are contributing to a continuous evolution

28 29 FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY 07

TACKLING PECULIARITIES OF CLUBS UNDERGOING A BUSINESS RESTRUCTURING

As is commonly known, some clubs breach. The process and timing will If clubs are eligible to apply, they must 2015-16 SEASON 2016-17 SEASON 2017-18 SEASON 2018-19 SEASON 2019-20 SEASON operate in negative spirals with no correspond to what happens currently adhere to strict conditions in order to have June Dec June June June June June escape and thus need to adopt new with settlement agreements with the their voluntary agreement application 2015 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 financially stable business plans. difference being no penalty assessed considered by the CFCB Investigatory Voluntary Agreement Period The main criticism is that new business at the time of the voluntary agreement. Chamber, which are as follows: plans take time to implement and Clubs that are eligible to apply for a • Apply by 31 December of the year CFCB require initial capital investments for voluntary agreement are those who are: assessment Annual Target Annual Target Annual Target Annual Target preceding commencement of successful operation of the business. SA offered • Competing in UEFA competitions and the voluntary agreement Under the current rules, the CFCB Potential restrictions Potential restrictions Potential restrictions already fulfil the break-even requirement Investigatory Chamber may, under • Funds must be committed in advance certain circumstances, offer settlement • Competing in UEFA competitions and guaranteed over the period of Must be break-even compliant on aggregate agreements to clubs that have failed and have not been under monitoring the voluntary agreement but have a valid UEFA licence at Graphic: Voluntary Agreement. to fully comply with the break-even • Include a plausible and conservative the time of application requirement. Under a similar process, business plan (base and worst case the CFCB Investigatory Chamber may • Undergoing a change of ownership (not scenarios not reliant on European in the future agree to so-called “voluntary from a related party or club shareholder) qualification) that shows break-even The extending of voluntary agreements considerations, the CFCB Investigatory estimations. These are particularly agreements” with clubs that are proactive to clubs who are forthcoming and Chamber will consider if the licensee difficult to assess in regions outside • Have not been under a settlement compliance by the end of the regime and come forward regarding a future proactive about a future break-even is operating in a structurally inefficient Europe with investigations often providing agreement or voluntary agreement • Assure that the club is going breach offers several advantages: market. The inefficiency of a market insufficient (ie legally robust) and timely within the last three years concern over the duration of (ie member associations) is determined evidence. In general, there is a strong the voluntary agreement • Conforms to the FFP philosophy but leaves room for clubs to invest and through a comparative analysis of total need to clarify definitions and to simplify • Voluntary agreement may be subject grow but prevents a return to gambling top division club revenues relative the process so everyone understands in to specific financial targets (annual and on success to the population. The designation as advance. In this respect, it was decided aggregated) and/or limitations “structurally inefficient” is determined by to include a provision in the regulations • Break-even compliance within comparing a “football GDP per capita.” that describes a “related party” as an a specified timeframe This football GDP per capita is defined entity – alone or in aggregate together • Timeframe of voluntary agreement as the total top division clubs’ revenues with other entities which are linked to

T-2, T-1, T limits any inflationary impact (excluding sponsorship and commercial the same ultimate controlling party – that 2014-15 SEASON 2015-16 SEASON 2016-17 SEASON 2017-18 SEASON revenues and UEFA contributions) provides an amount equivalent to 30% • Tackles the “ossification” criticism so in that member association divided or more of the club’s total revenue in June June June June new clubs entering UEFA competitions by the population of that country. a reporting period. 2015 2016 2017 2018 can invest to compete Those regions where the football GDP Settlement Agreement Period In such cases, the parties, including • Understands the need for new per capita falls below the median shall ECA, agree on naming a third-party CFCB ownership to implement its business be designated as structurally inefficient. Annual assessor in order to determine the fair Historic breach assessment Annual Target Annual Target Annual Target plan to rescue failing clubs in Target The CFCB Investigatory Chamber in its SA offered value. The results would be binding negative spirals assessment will consider the break-even to both UEFA and the club. Potential restrictions Potential restrictions Potential restrictions deficit relative to the gap between the member association’s football GDP It is to be noted that the UEFA Club Must be break-even compliant on aggregate TACKLING MARKETS WITH and the median. Licensing Committee supported a large STRUCTURAL DISADVANTAGES majority of the changes discussed and Graphic: Settlement Agreement. Such a way of proceeding is simple and proposed by the ECA Financial Fair Clubs located in regions negatively objective and does not artificially impose Play Panel. The consultation process affected by the political and economic a disadvantage for clubs operating in also included the participation of the environment exogenous to football, countries with structural inefficiencies. ECA Finance Working Group while operate at a disadvantage where access It is also meant to encourage clubs in regular updates were given to the ECA to diverse revenues streams has not these regions to pursue more diverse Executive Board. The ECA Executive matured or materialised. Clubs and revenue opportunities. Board is very satisfied with the good leagues in these regions have mostly cooperation with UEFA and endorsed survived due to historical and cultural proposed amendments by reiterating, benefactors which have subsidised TACKLING RELATED PARTY once more, its strong support for FFP. the game in order for it to exist. In reality, SPONSORSHIPS & The new version of the Club Licensing the exogenous handicaps make FFP FAIR VALUE ESTIMATIONS and Financial Fair Play regulations compliance difficult without severely Currently one of the most costly, (Edition 2015) was approved by the UEFA hampering the club. As a result, it was administratively burdensome and legally Executive Committee at its meeting in decided to add a mitigating factor challenging processes in FFP concerns on 30 June and, subsequently, into the FFP regulations. As part of its related-party sponsorships and fair-value came into force on 1 July 2015.

30 31 PLAYER & TRANSFER MATTERS 08

and fair dialogue within the appropriate not focus on individual stakeholder’s We will re-engage with FIFPro to try and institutional framework provided that proposals. Every stakeholder’s point overcome differences and find solutions it tackles all issues at stake and does of view must be heard and discussed. to the issues addressed.

THIRD-PARTY OWNERSHIP PLAYER & Third-Party Ownership (TPO) has been debated at various levels within the football community over the last couple of years. Following the FIFA Congress 2014, a dedicated working group was created to analyse all possible regulatory options in relation to this complex practice and to make preliminary suggestions. Eventually, the FIFA Executive Committee decided to completely ban TPO. New regulations TRANSFER MATTERS have come into effect on 1 January 2015.

WORKING GROUP NEW REGULATORY APPROACH The new provisions are binding at PLAYERS’ STATUS MATTERS WORKING GROUP ON THIRD-PARTY OWNERSHIP TO THIRD-PARTY OWNERSHIP national level and must be included & INFLUENCE without modification in the member Following a consultation process involving all stakeholders, the FIFA Executive Committee approved In order to address TPO on the basis association’s regulations. of a sound understanding of all of its a number of amendments to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) which came By means of Circular Letter no. 1464, aspects involving all relevant football FIFA’s member associations were into force on 1 March 2015. stakeholders, the creation of a dedicated informed about the inclusion of the new ECA POSITION working group under the FIFA Players’ provisions in the Regulations on the Given the fact that we represent As part of a newly composed FIFA OVERDUE PAYABLES Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC) Status Committee (PSC) was announced Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) Players’ Status Committee (PSC), which exists at national level or whether the with a mandate to consult all relevant specifically dealing with TPO which came many member clubs for which TPO now comprises representatives of Overdue payables were a recurring issue parties actually have to agree upon parties and to discuss all possible into force on 1 January 2015. This follows arrangements are common practice confederations, national associations, both between clubs and players and and install jurisdiction on the NDRC regulatory options. This included making the approval by the FIFA Executive and fundamental to their survival, we preliminary suggestions to the PSC leagues, clubs and players, a dedicated among clubs themselves that needed in their contract before FIFA would lose Committee on 19 December 2014 of reiterated during the process not to be and ultimately to the FIFA Executive working group for players’ status matters tackling urgently. The inclusion of a competence. A new provision now the proposal to include the following in a position to support a complete TPO Committee for decision-making on was created to thoroughly discuss various new article on overdue payables aims clarifies this situation and confirms provisions concerning TPO in the RSTP: ban. However, as a principle, we are in the future regulatory approach, thereby issues at the heart of the game. The most at establishing a stronger system and the standing practice of the FIFA DRC, favour of transparency and protecting the enabling the TPO Working Group • No club or player shall enter into an important changes concerned issues, stresses that clubs need to comply with whereby parties aiming to avoid the integrity of the game and we understand to further define the technical details. agreement with a third party whereby such as the protection of minors, overdue their financial obligations towards players FIFA DRC from adjudicating possible the arguments presented by both those a third party is being entitled to payables and the implementation of and clubs. It foresees that clubs found to contractual disputes are required to The working group was chaired by calling for TPO prohibition and those participate, either in full or in part, national dispute resolution chambers. have delayed a payment for more than make reference to a NDRC. This means Geoff Thompson, chairman of the FIFA arguing that TPO is an important source in compensation payable in relation to 30 days without a prima facie contractual that the parties may explicitly opt in the Dispute Resolution Chamber and member of financing. of the FIFA Players’ Status Committee, the future transfer of a player from one basis may be sanctioned. In order for contract for disputes to be decided by As member of the TPO Working Group, and composed of representatives of club to another, or is being assigned PROTECTION OF MINORS a payment to be considered overdue, a DRC at national level, as long as such we would have favoured a regulatory confederations, national associations, any rights in relation to a future transfer the creditor (player or club) must have independent national arbitration respects approach when it comes to the use of As per the regulations, any international leagues, clubs and players. • The TPO ban will come into force put the debtor club in default and have the principles of fair proceedings and TPO as a pure financing tool. Also, we transfer of a minor player (or first on 1 May 2015 provided a deadline of 10 days to of equal representation. Such reference The working group members discussed were pushing to see a longer transition registration of a foreign minor player) remedy the breach. In case of failure can be made either in the contract or at length the applicable approaches • Existing agreements can remain in place period to allow clubs to have more time requires the preapproval of the to remedy the breach, the creditor club can be found in a collective bargaining regarding investment in players’ economic until their ordinary contractual expiry to adapt to the new rules. It was felt that subcommittee of the PSC. This approval or player may contact the FIFA Dispute agreement applicable to the parties. rights both at the level of sporting the proposed deadline of 1 May 2015 is a necessary condition before an Resolution Chamber (DRC) or the PSC regulations as well as national laws. • As an additional obligation, all existing As part of discussions taking at the PSC was too short for achieving such a major international transfer certificate (ITC) to see sanctions being imposed on the This has led to possible options aimed agreements covered by the ban need on how to improve the current transfer change in the business model of the can be requested. concerned club. Sanctions may vary at addressing TPO at worldwide level. to be recorded within FIFA’s Transfer system, relations between ECA and Matching System by the end of April 2015 clubs. The counterproposal was to allow Since recent years have seen an increase between a warning, reprimand, fine and The options discussed ranged from FIFPro have recently become strained for one additional transfer window to adapt in Under-12 cross border movement, and a ban from registering new players (either transparency measures, to establishing • Agreements made between 1 January due to diverging opinions on key issues. to the new rules (ie 1 January 2016). in order to strengthen the protection of nationally or internationally). Furthermore, specific requirements and limitations and 30 April 2015 will be subject More precisely, FIFPro wanted to focus In the meantime, the Spanish and minors, it was decided to reduce the age the provision provides for a system in in terms of quality and quantity, to a to a time limit (one year maximum) negotiations exclusively on their issues prohibition of TPO. Despite the challenge Portuguese league, where TPO is limit for which an ITC is required to the which repeated violations are considered and did not want to discuss all issues to gain a thorough understanding of TPO Furthermore, a new provision relating widespread, have filed a legal challenge age of 10. Should a national association as an aggravating circumstance leading as part of a wider package. Subsequently, and its functioning in the football market to third-party influence in transfer and with the European Commission over the want to register a player under the age to more severe penalties. FIFPro accused ECA and EPFL in a due to the limited economic data available, employment matters is now also included ban arguing that it infringes competition of 10 (despite the fact that no ITC and press statement to deliberately impede and the varied global relevance of TPO, in the RSTP. Article 18bis par. 1 states: rules as well as regulations on free no application to the subcommittee of discussions on possible amendments there was consensus within the group “ … no club shall enter into a contract movement of labour and capital. the PSC is required), it is the responsibility IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL to the transfer system and stated their that the current approach needed to be which enables any other party to that of the national association to verify DISPUTE RESOLUTION CHAMBERS intention to pursue legal action. In a reconsidered and that the international contract or any third party to acquire the and ensure that the requirements for Up until now, it was unclear whether FIFA public response, we made clear that ECA transfer matching system would be of ability to influence in employment and the protection of minors established loses competence the moment a National has always been committed to an open assistance in the implementation of the transfer-related matters its independence, in the RSTP are met. option ultimately chosen. its policies or the performance of its teams.”

32 33 FOREWORD FROM THE ECA CHAIRMAN 01

BACKING THE FUTURE GROWTH OF FOOTBALL

34 35 UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE 09

32 TEAMS 32 TEAMS

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PATH DOMESTIC CHAMPIONS PATH

ROUND 1 (2 legs) UEFA GROUP A GROUP E

GROUP B GROUP F

YOUTH LEAGUE PHASE I

GROUP C GROUP G NEW UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE FORMAT 2015/16

ROUND 2 (2 legs) After a successful two-year trial period, the UEFA Executive Committee confirmed that the UEFA Youth GROUP D GROUP H League (UYL) will stay as a permanent competition with a different format as from the 2015/16 season. The number of teams competing will be increased from 32 to 64.

The new concept follows a review place, a parallel path for the domestic knockout competition will then follow, process led by a dedicated UYL Working youth champions is added. The domestic with the last four qualified teams playing Group, composed of representatives youth champions of the 32 best-ranked a final four tournament. 8 GROUP RUNNERS-UP 8 WINNERS of ECA, UEFA and EPFL. Based on associations in the UEFA club coefficient Whilst the UYL will continue to be an the experience gained over the two-year ranking are given access to this path. PLAY-OFFS (Single leg) Under-19 competition in the future, Domestic Champions Path Winners vs UCL Group Runners-Up test phase, the working group proposed These teams will play two home-and-away the working group also proposed the to implement an adapted competition qualifying rounds between September inclusion of up to three Under-20 players format to allow for the participation of and November. The eight winners of on the players list in order to alleviate more domestic youth champions and, these ties will then contest a single leg the burden on players having school hence, a wider representation of national play-off against the eight runners-up of duties. The UEFA Executive Committee associations in the competition. the UCL path, with the winners of these approved this new change, alongside matches qualifying for the round of 16 While the UEFA Champions League some further minor amendments to 8 GROUP WINNERS 8 PLAY-OFF WINNERS together with the eight group-winners (UCL) path is retained with the same the competition regulations. ROUND OF 16 (Single leg) format and system that is currently in of the UCL path. A standard single leg PHASE II 8 WINNERS

QUARTER-FINALS (Single leg)

4 WINNERS

SEMI-FINALS (Single leg)

FINAL WEEK FINAL 2 WINNERS

FINAL (Single leg)

Graphic: UEFA Youth League Format 2015/16.

36 37 UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE 09

KEY STATISTICS FROM THE GROUP STAGE 2014/15

REGISTERED PLAYERS BROADCASTING

PLAYERS AGE PLAYERS ANALYSIS 60% 63.5% 18% 11% 34% >50% U–18 Youngest team 1997 702 28 38% Players fielded in UYL players have been 17.19 the group stage on the team sheet in UCL AGE +27% vs 2013/14 (550) +65% vs 2013/14 (17) Eurosport (18 PLAYERS LIST) (Arsenal FC) 6 matches 17.90 Oldest team 21.9 10 Players used for UYL Players have 2013/14 2014/15 2013/14 2014/15 2013/14 2014/15 the group stage been fielded in UCL Televised UYL Televised by Televised by in average per team % U–17 18.29 +233 vs 2013/14 (3) group stage matches UEFA Media Right Holders CLUB TV Channels 1998 U–19 (Real Madrid CF) 11% U–16 1996 1999 50% % 1 UCL Media Right Holders 5 matches Ø PLAYERS TRAINED BY PARTICIPATING CLUBS (previous 2 years) 14 70%

TRAINED 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 PLAYERS or– CLUB TV Channels 51 matches

CLUBS 3 3 4 4 5 6 3 3 0 1 0

Juventus Schalke At. Madrid B.München Athletic R.Madrid Liverpool Monaco PSG Porto CSKA Barcelona B.Leverkusen Man.City Roma Chelsea Shakhtar STADIUM ATTENDANCE Maribor Olympiacos Dortmund Galatasaray Arsenal Ajax Zenit BATE Sporting Ludogorets Benfica Anderlecht Malmö Basel NB: Out of 20 players registered. APOEL AVERAGE ATTENDANCE HIGHEST ATTENDANCE

Ø PLAYERS ELIGIBLE FOR THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PARTICIPATING CLUBS 15 (previous 2 years) 83% 2013/14 2014/15 2013/14 2014/15 801 740 4’123 5’563 spectators spectators spectators spectators

NATIONAL PLAYERS 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 28

CLUBS 2 0 0 1 0 1 7 3 5 5 7

Man.City Liverpool Dortmund R.Madrid Schalke 04 Chelsea Sporting Athletic Juventus At. Madrid Roma Arsenal PSG Monaco Barcelona Ajax B.Leverkusen CSKA Shakhtar B.München Benfica Maribor Zenit Porto Olympiacos APOEL Galatasaray Anderlecht Ludogorets NB: Out of 18 players registered. Basel Malmö 58 different nations represented (+7,4% vs 2013/14). BATE

38 39 UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE 09

SPORTING STATISTICS

368 / 372 UCL Total yellow cards 52 / 49 UCL Home victories 11,5 / 11,6 UCL 85 / 75 UCL Average yellow card per team Matches won

33 / 26 UCL Away victories 32 / 20 UCL Total red cards

357 / 279 UCL 1,0 / 0,62 UCL 11 / 21 UCL Goals scored (ø 3,7 / ø 2,9 UCL) Average red card per team Matches drawn

FINAL WEEK

The semi-finals and the final of the 2014/15 edition of the UYL took again place at Colovray Stadium in , Switzerland. In total, more than 10ʼ000 spectators watched the three games on site, while a 5.3m cumulative audience was reached through broadcasts of UYL media partner Eurosport. Chelsea FC was crowned 2014/15 UYL champions following a 3-2 win over FC Shakhtar Donetsk.

ROUND OF 16 QUARTER-FINAL SEMI-FINAL FINAL

RSC Anderlecht | BEL

FC Barcelona | ESP

Real Madrid CF | ESP

FC Porto | POR

SL Benfica | POR

Liverpool FC | ENG

FC Shakhtar Dontesk | UKR

Olympiacos FC | GRE

AFC Ajax | NED

AS Roma | ITA

Manchester City FC | ENG

FC Schalke 04 | GER

Chelsea FC | ENG

FC Zenit St. Petersburg | RUS

Club Atlético de Madrid | ESP

Arsenal FC | ENG

40 41 WOMEN’S FOOTBALL 10

PLAYER RELEASE ANALYSIS FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015

Recognising the growing importance of women’s football worldwide, we have for the first time conducted a “Player Release Analysis” for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which took place in Canada this year. The research showcases the overall situation of players WOMEN’S FOOTBALL released by European clubs for the tournament. Amongst others, the following key facts and figures have been highlighted:

With women’s football increasingly gaining importance at FIFA and UEFA level, the ECA Women’s Football Committee (WFC) has continued its work in the 2014/15 season and made the clubs’ voice TOP 16 – EUROPEAN CLUBS RELEASING PLAYERS 192 heard at the highest level. The 2014/15 season has seen the announcement of two great achievements # CLUB PLAYERS for women’s football in the future: i) women’s football will be covered by the FIFA Club Protection The full squads of France, Olympique Lyonnais | FRA Programme (CPP) and ii) investments into women’s football will be exempted from the break-even The , Norway, 1 14 calculation under the new Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations coming into force in 2015/16. Clubs involved in releasing Sweden and Switzerland players in total currently play in Europe 2 Paris Saint-Germain FC | FRA 12 CLUB PROTECTION PROGRAMME FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY League (UWCL). The clubs’ main 3 FC Bayern München | GER 9 concerns are the matches between Following requests by and subsequent As part of the new edition of the UEFA 74 teams of a very different level and the 14 LSK Kvinner FK | NOR 9 discussions with the WFC, FIFA has Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play big amount of matches played in a short extended the CPP to women’s football. (FFP) regulations, which come into effect period of time during the qualifying FC Barcelona | ESP 9 The insurance covers all matches of the as from the 2015/16 club football season, rounds. In order for women’s club Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) European clubs from is the European club women’s international calendar, including investments into women’s football will football to improve and develop, 16 different countries involved releasing most players, FC Rosengård | SWE 9 friendly games, qualification games and be exempted from the FFP break-even the European experience is considered in the release of players with 14 players released final tournaments of the A-national team. calculation. Such exemption already important. However, in order to strike the 7 1.FFC | GER 8 The mechanism and criteria will be exactly applied to investments into youth football, right balance between competitiveness the same as for the men’s programme infrastructure and community services and experience, adjustments to the VfL | GER 8 described in the FIFA technical bulletin. in the last edition of the regulations. current format must be considered. 225 The women’s coverage came into effect This new rule will incentivise the A first change will be introduced for 9 Arsenal LFC | ENG 7 on 1 January 2015 and was formalised in development of the women’s game. the UWCL season 2016/17: the number 42 the latest collaboration agreement signed of teams entering the competition will 225 players from a total Players registered 10 1.FFC Turbine Potsdam | GER 6 between ECA and FIFA. be increased, with the top 12 national of 552 (40.8%) currently play with German clubs UEFA WOMEN’S in one of the European national associations in the rankings allowed FC Zürich Frauen | SWI 6 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE championships to enter the domestic champion as well INTERNATIONAL Chelsea LFC | ENG The WFC is in constant exchange with as the runner-up to the round of 32 – this 12 5 TRANSFER REGULATIONS UEFA regarding a new competition format opportunity is currently offered only to Manchester City WFC | ENG Together with UEFA, we have called for the UEFA Women’s Champions the top 8-ranked associations. 5 upon FIFA to introduce international Notts County Ladies FC | ENG 5 transfer regulations for women’s football. With the women’s game becoming more AFC Ajax | NED 5 professional, an increasing number of players sign professional contracts and Stabæk Fotball Kvinner | NOR 5 can no longer be considered “amateur”.

In Europe, around 20 UEFA Member With 9 players released, Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels WFC (Republic of Korea) Associations have put in place domestic and Rivers Angels FC (Nigeria) are the two non-European clubs releasing the transfer regulations. However, to date, most players. FIFA has not introduced anything similar at international level which would set the rules for cross-border transfers and training compensation. The WFC will continue to support UEFA on this important matter. ECA Women's Football Committee.

42 43 FOREWORD FROM THE ECA CHAIRMAN 01

FLAGGING UP THE IMPORTANT ISSUES

44 45 INTEGRITY MATTERS 11

ECA CHARTER ON INTEGRITY IN FOOTBALL

At the occasion of the 13th ECA General Assembly in Geneva, the ECA Charter on Integrity in Football INTEGRITY MATTERS was presented as part of ECA’s efforts to fight match-fixing in European club football. Present ECA Member Clubs were invited to sign the charter as an expression of their commitment to hold football free of match-fixing. Together with the charter, ECA developed a template “Integrity Form” for clubs. This template gives clubs the possibility to ask their staff members to sign a similar commitment EUROPEAN FOOTBALL STAKEHOLDERS LAUNCH against match-fixing. JOINT CODE OF CONDUCT The ECA Charter on Integrity in Football Facilitate in any way possible To emphasise the importance of the is a declaration of our commitment to the communication between the above, signatories shall: In 2014, the UEFA Professional Football Strategy Council (PFSC) decided to adopt a position paper ensure football is free of match-fixing or club, its employees and players in relation and action plan on “Integrity in Football”. A dedicated working group was created in order to elaborate any other external interference, which to match-fixing Have their employees concrete initiatives in an attempt to combat match-fixing in European football. One of the initiatives, could influence the normal running of and players demonstrate their the “Protect our Game!” code of conduct, has now been officially launched. the game. By signing the charter, ECA Report any attempt(s) to commitment by signing a document by Member Clubs recognise the importance fix a game to the relevant football which they acknowledge the importance Following the ratification of the joint of safeguarding integrity in football, and and public authorities, to strongly of integrity in football and to avoid any position paper approved by the PFSC commit to a continuous endorsement of an encourage their employees and players engagement in match-fixing and the UEFA Executive Committee internal policy and practice in this respect. to do the same, and to cooperate with other stakeholders in order to create Appoint a reliable contact person in 2013, and the adoption of the More precisely, signatories commit to: to whom their employees or resolution “European Football United a reliable reporting procedure players should report any information for the Integrity of the Game” in 2014, Uphold integrity in football on match-fixing a working group was created which and to refrain from any attempt Cooperate fully and at any time with any investigation conducted included all European professional to breach this integrity (ie fixing a game) either within the football family or by football stakeholders; namely UEFA, Include in their standard contract a public authority a clause which explicitly refers to ECA, EPFL and FIFPro Division Europe. Support the code of conduct the prohibition to engage in match-fixing The main role of this working group endorsed by ECA, UEFA, EPFL and the risks of betting on football games was to ensure efficient coordination and FIFPro, and to share this code Call for other clubs to safeguard in accordance with the applicable of the activities of the stakeholders in this of conduct with their club’s employees the same level of integrity and the same vision against match-fixing competition regulations and/or state law, respect, including the implementation and players and betting on football as well as the reporting of attempts of an action plan approved as part of match-fixing of the joint position paper of the PFSC. From left to right: Bobby Barnes, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and Frédéric Thiriez. Educate their employees One of the objectives of the action plan and players on the importance Furthermore, we call upon member was to agree on a joint code of conduct of integrity in football, the prohibition clubs to actively cooperate with all for all participants in European football of engaging in match-fixing and the risks initiatives organised by European and on integrity-related matters (ie players, of betting on games local stakeholders with the aim to both referees, coaches, club representatives, strengthen integrity and fight match-fixing. administrators and competition organisers at European and domestic level). The “Protect our Game!” code of conduct is the result of the discussions held within the working group, and it was symbolically signed by all four presidents of UEFA, ECA, EPFL and FIFPro Division Europe in September 2014. It will also serve as a reference for code of conducts at national level illustrating the positive result that strong cooperation between stakeholders can provide.

46 47 EU MATTERS 12

EU SPORTS FORUM 2014 SPORTS INTERGROUP FIFA-RELATED DEVELOPMENTS

In December, we participated in the EU’s Within the parliament, an “EU Sports Over the last few years the European annual sports forum, which brings together Intergroup” has been created which Parliament has been particularly stakeholders from the world of sport and brings together members of the European engaged in the issues of governance representatives from the EU’s institutions, Parliament (MEPs) of all political and specifically in relation to the EU MATTERS with the aim of exchanging views on key persuasions with an interest in sport. scandals linked to FIFA. In January, policy areas. We, as every year, were The intergroup meets regularly with NEWFIFANOW.org, an organisation present at the forum and participated stakeholders for an informal exchange which brings together elected The last 12 months has seen ECA continue to engage actively with the EU and governments from actively in a number of discussions relating of views covering all the main topics parliamentarians from across Europe, across Europe with the aim of ensuring that policy and legislation impacting football is beneficial to various topics of interest. relating to the professional game. met at the European Parliament to to clubs. ECA is well established on the EU landscape and fully involved in all political developments We maintain regular contact and outline the changes it wishes to see FIFA impacting football. dialogue with many of the MEPs introduce in its approach to governance. who are members of the intergroup Following the scandal that hit FIFA in updating these on the clubs’ position May 2015, the European Parliament on the main topics being addressed. adopted a resolution calling for a full RELATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION scale and radical change to FIFA’s & THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT governance model, further increasing the political pressure on the international governing body. NEW EU COMMISSIONER and other topics of interest. The meeting partner with the European Commission FOR SPORT concluded with an exchange of letters in the “EU Week of Sport”; an initiative between the commissioner and our which aims at encouraging EU citizens At the end of 2014, a new commission chairman, in which we committed to to become more physically active. was appointed under the leadership of former Prime Minister, Jean-Claude Junker. The new president RELATIONS WITH EU GOVERNMENTS appointed Hungarian, Tibor Navracsics, to take charge of the commission’s sports policy alongside his responsibilities for EU governments also meet regularly expert groups are expected to finalise was explicit in its criticism of FIFA’s education, culture and youth. In a move to discuss sports issues. The Council their work and issue recommendations approach to governance and called for aimed at highlighting the increasing of the European Union, which brings at the latest in the first half of 2016. an urgent re-examination of the current importance of sports as a policy area, together the representatives from In addition, we continue to liaise directly decision-making processes within the the commissioner responsible for member states, has established a with civil servants from sports ministries governing body. The resolution, which sports had the word “sport” included number of expert groups covering the from across the EU to ensure that these is non-binding, adds to the increasing in his official title for the first time. EU sports policy as part of its work continue to be up-to-date on the latest pressure on FIFA to adopt a new Tibor Navracsics took over the programme for 2014-17. These expert position of clubs on the major dossiers approach to governance to place it in line st responsibilities of Androulla Vassiliou, groups bring together representatives of interest. In April, the Parliamentary with 21 century norms in this domain. from sports ministries from across the EU, Assembly of the Council of Europe We were consulted regularly by the with whom we enjoyed a close and Partners of the “EU Week of Sport”. constructive relationship in the previous along with key stakeholders. We enjoy (a body which includes parliamentarians authors of the resolution in the lead-up five years. the status of “observer” and participate from 47 European countries but is not an to its formal adoption. actively in three expert groups: including EU institution) adopted a resolution which The ECA Executive Board acknowledged good governance, match-fixing and the called on FIFA to change their existing the importance in developing a economic dimensions of sport. All three governance structures. The resolution relationship with the commissioner at the outset of his mandate, and a meeting was organised on the margins of our ECA General Assembly on 30 March in Stockholm, which was attended by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Andrea Agnelli. The meeting provided an ideal opportunity for an open and fruitful exchange of views on a number of key issues including the partnership signed between the European Commission and UEFA, governance, the social dialogue, financial fair play, youth development

Tibor Navracsics and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

48 49 EU MATTERS 12

COLLABORATION ON EU MATTERS RESPECT OF CONTRACTS CAREER FUNDS WORKING GROUP WORKING GROUP WITH OTHER SPORTS BODIES The working group on career funds met Negotiations have come to a halt in in September 2014 to continue discussions the working group dealing with respect relating to establishing a fund to support The last 12 months has also seen 2015, all three organisations met at the both and and it is of contracts. This follows discussions players in their lives post-career. We continued regular contacts between Euroleague Basketball headquarters in interesting for us to understand how at the FIFA Players’ Status Committee, approached work on this matter with ECA, Forum Club Handball (FCH) and Barcelona. Discussions at the meetings our counterparts from these sports and subsequent public statements made a constructive attitude but firmly believe Euroleague Basketball. Representatives focused on key issues including deal with similar issues. Similarly, by FIFPro, which accused ECA and EPFL that it is not up to the clubs to take a from all organisations attended the developments linked to governance, we shared our experiences, not least of impeding discussions on possible lead on such matters, but it is rather the ECA General Assembly in Stockholm in media right issues and other topics of the latest developments relating to our amendments to the transfer system. responsibility of the players’ union. Clubs March 2015. We were represented at the interest relating to the EU’s involvement organisation’s relationship with both FIFPro insisted that agreement on four will back any proposals to support players FCH General Assembly held in in sport. Tensions between clubs and UEFA and FIFA. principles had to be reached before with regard to their life after football, but are in May 2015. In December and June governing federations continue in other demands from both sides were unwilling to see such support as an excuse negotiated, which are as follows: for players to seek supplementary finances 1 A player has just cause to terminate over and beyond their agreed salaries. his contract after 30 days of From our perspective, the issue of career non-payment by his employer and funds is not really one that concerns clubs a reasonable notice-period and therefore we questioned the need for a dedicated working group to tackle this EU SOCIAL DIALOGUE WORKING GROUPS 2 A player under these circumstances issue within the social dialogue. In light would receive compensation in of this, partners agreed to close the work the amount of the residual value AUTONOMOUS AGREEMENT the unequal composition of the arbitration The national parties in Croatia opted of the working group when they met of his contract IMPLEMENTATION WORKING GROUP or national dispute resolution bodies, to negotiate with the national authorities in November 2014. the lack of standard rules with regard with the aim of amending the Sports 3 A player whose contract is The European Social Partners decided to to club-player disciplinary procedures Act. Their efforts seem to be successful, terminated due to a breach set the implementation of the “Autonomous and, in a couple of countries, the use as the Sports Act will be amended in of contract by the club would be Agreement” as the main target for the 2015 of civil contracts. such way that all players need to have eligible to seek new employment social dialogue working programme. In these countries where civil contracts an employment contract. Until the new also outside the transfer windows Another 15 countries were visited during are still used, players are not considered Sports Act is officially approved, clubs 4 the season, bringing the total at 26 visited That these principles were as normal employees due to their specific can use either civil or employment countries, whereas 4 more follow-up visits introduced as binding regulations labour conditions (ie different working contracts by using the new standard were organised. Meetings took place on international and national level hours, weekend games, fixed-term contract templates. The developments in Armenia, , Belarus, Czech Together with EPFL, we disapproved such contracts) and/or due to tax reasons. made in Croatia can be seen as an Republic, Estonia, FYR Macedonia, attitude and explained that under the This special status for football players example of how the joint efforts of Georgia, Israel, , Lithuania, given circumstances we would not be in (or athletes in general) is sometimes all national stakeholders can lead Kazakhstan, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro a position to adopt the recommendations stipulated by specific state legislation to tangible improvements. and Slovakia. National parties in Croatia, developed in this working group. As a (ie Croatia, Lithuania) and results from Overall, development in the countries Hungary, Poland and Romania were result, negotiations had come to a halt the incompatibility with the existing visits is overall rather positive, bearing visited for a second time in order to from FIFPro’s perspective. labour law. In this case, the European in mind the fact that the social dialogue monitor the progress made and to further Social Partners ask the national parties did not exist until recently in some of these discuss the main issues brought up to make an analysis of the specific legal countries. The situation in a couple of in the discussions on national level. challenges in the country in question, countries seems to be more difficult and From these visits, it became clear that which also include the possibility to will get additional attention and support in general the inclusion of the minimum deviate from the relevant state law by from the European Social Partners. requirements in the national regulations means of a CBA and the feasibility Additional follow-up visits might be (either via the FA regulations, standard to modify the relevant sports act organised in the second half of 2015 and contracts and/or CBA) does not create and/or tax legislation. A timeline is the developments in the countries already big issues. The most recurrent issues agreed in order to facilitate the monitoring visited will be further monitored. brought up by the national parties were process with the aim of an eventual switch to employment contracts.

50 51 FOREWORD FROM THE ECA CHAIRMAN 01

ACHIEVING OUR GOALS TOGETHER

52 53 ECA SEASON 2014/15 13

214 214 207 ECA 201 105 109 197 2014/15 SEASON 2014/15 SEASON

105 2013/14 109 MEMBERSHIP SEASON

For the second season of the 2013-15 membership cycle, the total number of ECA Members remained unchanged with 214 clubs. The ECA Executive Board saw the departure of Aušrys Labinas (FK Ekranas) who was replaced by Dino Selimović (FK Sarajevo) at the end of the season. Since it was the last season of the two-year ECA cycle, a new ECA Executive Board will be elected at the occasion of the first General 144 Assembly of the 2015/16 season. 137 103 2012/13 104 SEASON

ECA MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT LOSS OF ECA MEMBERSHIP

We counted 214 member clubs Two clubs lost their ECA Associated in 2014/15 representing 53 UEFA Membership as a result of bankruptcy and Member Associations. There were relegation to amateur level respectively. 105 ordinary members and 109 The two clubs concerned are: 103 2011/12 98 associated members. Since its birth SEASON in 2008, ECA Membership has followed Aris FC | GRE the trend of continuous growth. FK Liepajas Metalurgs | LVA

NEW ECA ASSOCIATED MEMBERS CHANGE IN MEMBERSHIP STATUS Two clubs were eligible to become 103 2010/11 94 ECA Associated Members due to their The ECA Statutory Affairs Panel decided SEASON group stage participation in the 2014/15 to withdraw FK Crvenza Zvezda (SRB) UEFA Champions League and have ECA Ordinary Membership since they therefore joined ECA at the beginning of did not receive a European licence for the 2014/15 season. The newly approved the 2014/15 season and were therefore ECA Member Clubs ECA Associated Members were: prevented from participating in Europe. gain and loss during 2014/15 season FK Crvena Zvezda was replaced as 41 PFC Ludogorets | BUL ordinary member by the next best eligible 2009/10 103 SEASON club in the ranking, namely FK Vojvodina. Malmö FF | SWE FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) changed status ECA ECA to ECA Associated Member. ORDINARY ASSOCIATED MEMBER MEMBER

34 2008/09 FK Crvena Zvezda FK Vojvodina 103 SEASON SRB SRB

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Ordinary members Associated members MEMBERS MEMBERS MEMBERS MEMBERS MEMBERS MEMBERS MEMBERS

54 55 ECA SEASON 2014/15 13

ECA MEMBERS 2014/15

SPAIN ENGLAND GERMANY UKRAINE RUSSIA NETHERLANDS

ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS

FC Barcelona Chelsea FC FC Bayern München FC Shakhtar Donetsk PFC CSKA Moskva AFC Ajax

Real Madrid CF Manchester United FC FC Schalke 04 FC Dynamo Kyiv FC Zenit St. Petersburg PSV Eindhoven

Valencia CF Arsenal FC Borussia Dortmund FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk FC Rubin Kazan FC Twente

ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS Club Atlético de Madrid Liverpool FC SV Werder Bremen FC Metalist Kharkiv FC Lokomotiv Moskva AZ Alkmaar Villarreal CF Manchester City FC VfB Stuttgart FC Spartak Moskva FC Utrecht ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS 2009/10 SEASON Athletic Club Aston Villa FC Feyenoord Rotterdam

Borussia VfL 1900 Málaga CF Everton FC SC Heerenveen Mönchengladbach

Real Sociedad de Fútbol Fulham FC Eintracht Frankfurt

Sevilla FC Newcastle United FC Hamburger SV TURKEY BELGIUM GREECE Tottenham Hotspur FC VfL Wolfsburg ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS

Galatasaray SK R. Standard de Liège Olympiacos FC

Trabzonspor AŞ RSC Anderlecht PAOK FC

ITALY PORTUGAL FRANCE Bursaspor Kulübü Club Brugge Atromitos FC ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS FC Internazionale Milano FC Porto Olympique Lyonnais Beşiktaş JK KAA Gent Panathinaikos FC

AC Milan SL Benfica Fenerbahçe SK KRC Genk

Juventus Sporting Clube de Portugal Paris Saint-Germain FC

AS Roma Sporting Clube de Braga FC Girondins de Bordeaux

ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS SWITZERLAND CYPRUS DENMARK ACF Fiorentina Marítimo da Madeira Futebol AS Monaco FC ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS Parma FC LOSC Lille FC Basel 1893 APOEL FC FC København

SSC Napoli Montpellier Hérault Sport Club BSC Young Boys Anorthosis Famagusta FC Aalborg BK

UC Sampdoria Stade Rennais FC FC Zürich AC Omonia Nicosia FC Nordsjælland

Udinese Calcio ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS

FC Sion Brøndby IF

FC Thun Odense BK

Grasshopper-Club Zürich

56 57 ECA SEASON 2014/15 13

AUSTRIA CZECH REPUBLIC ROMANIA SERBIA SLOVAKIA NORWAY

ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS

FC Red Bull Salzburg AC Sparta Praha FC Steaua Bucureşti FK Partizan MŠK Žilina Rosenborg BK

FK Austria Wien FC Viktoria Plzeň CFR 1907 Cluj FK Vojvodina ŠK Slovan Bratislava Molde FK

ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS

SK Rapid Wien FC Slovan Liberec FC Oțelul Galați FK Crvena Zvezda MFK Ružomberok Lillestrøm SK

SK Sturm Graz FK Teplice FC Vaslui SK Brann Bergen

SK Slavia Praha Vålerenga IF

Viking FK

ISRAEL BELARUS POLAND HUNGARY SLOVENIA

ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS

Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC FC BATE Borisov KKS Lech Poznań PFC Levski Debreceni VSC NK Maribor

ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS Maccabi Haifa FC FC Dinamo Wisła Kraków SA PFC Litex Lovech Honvéd FC NK Domžale ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS

FC Bnei-Yehuda FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk Legia Warszawa SA PFC CSKA Sofia Ferencvárosi TC NK Olimpija Ljubljana

Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC PFC Ludogorets Györi ETO FC

Videoton FC

CROATIA SWEDEN SCOTLAND GEORGIA AZERBAIJAN FINLAND

ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS

GNK Dinamo Helsingborgs IF Celtic FC FC Zestafoni PFC Neftchi HJK Helsinki

ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS HNK Hajduk Split IF Elfsborg Motherwell FC FC Dinamo Tbilisi Azal PFC FC Honka Espoo ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS

Djurgårdens IF Aberdeen FC FC WIT Georgia FK Baku FC Inter

IFK Göteborg Heart of Midlothian FC Xäzär Länkäran FK Myllykosken Pallo-47

Malmö FF Rangers FC TPS Turku

58 59 ECA SEASON 2014/15 13

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA MOLDOVA REPUBLIC OF IRELAND LUXEMBOURG NORTHERN IRELAND WALES

ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS

FK Sarajevo FC Sheriff Saint Patrick’s Athletic FC Linfield FC The New Saints FC

ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS

NK Željezničar CSC Zimbru Chişinău Shamrock Rovers FC CS Grevenmacher Cliftonville FC Bangor City FC

NK Široki Brijeg FC Dacia Chişinău Crusaders FC

Glentoran FC

LITHUANIA KAZAKHSTAN LATVIA ESTONIA ARMENIA FAROE ISLAND

ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS

FK Ekranas FK Aktobe FK Ventspils FC Levadia Tallinn FC Pyunik HB Tórshavn

ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS

FK Sūduva FC Irtysh Pavlodar Skonto FC FC Flora Tallinn FC Banants B36 Tórshavn

FK Shakter Karaganda FC Mika EB/Streymur

NSÍ Runavik

ICELAND MONTENEGRO F.Y.R. MACEDONIA SAN MARINO

ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS

KR Reykjavík FK Zeta FK Rabotnički SP Tre Fiori UE Sant Julià

ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS

FH Hafnarfjörður FK Budućnost Podgorica FK Vardar SS Murata FC Santa Coloma

Keflavík FC

ALBANIA MALTA LIECHTENSTEIN

ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS ORDINARY MEMBERS

KF Tirana Valletta FC FC Vaduz

ASSOCIATED MEMBERS ASSOCIATED MEMBERS

KF Vllaznia Sh.a. Birkirkara FC

60 61 ECA SEASON 2014/15 13

ECA EXECUTIVE BOARD 2014/15

FC Bayern München RSC Anderlecht Olympiacos FC AC Milan Real Madrid CF AFC Ajax GER BEL GRE ITA ESP NED

CHAIRMAN 1ST VICE-CHAIRMAN 2ND VICE-CHAIRMAN BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER

KARL-HEINZ RUMMENIGGE UMBERTO GANDINI PEDRO LÓPEZ JIMÉNEZ EDWIN VAN DER SAR MICHAEL VERSCHUEREN THEODOROS GIANNIKOS Executive Board Member since 2008 Executive Board Member since 2008 Executive Board Member since 2013 Executive Board Member since 2013 Executive Board Member since 2013 Executive Board Member since 2012 • Member UEFA Events SA Board • Chairman ECA Competitions Working Group • Member UEFA Club Competitions Committee • Chairman ECA Youth Working Group • Member ECA Statutory Affairs Panel • Member FIFA Committee for Club Football • Member UEFA Professional Football • Member FIFA Players’ Status Committee • Member FIFA Players’ Status Committee • Member UEFA Club Competitions Committee • Member FIFA Strategic Committee Strategy Council • Member EU Social Dialogue Committee • Member FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber • Member FIFA Football Committee • Member FIFA Committee for Club Football

PFC CSKA Moskva FC Barcelona Arsenal FC AC Sparta Praha Celtic FC FK Sarajevo RUS ESP ENG CZE SCO BIH

3RD VICE-CHAIRMAN BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER

EVGENI GINER JOSEP MARIA BARTOMEU IVAN GAZIDIS JAKUB OTAVA PETER LAWWELL DINO SELIMOVIĆ Executive Board Member since 2010 Executive Board Member since 2014 Executive Board Member since 2012 Executive Board Member since 2012 Executive Board Member since 2014 Executive Board Member since 2015 • Member UEFA Professional Football • Member UEFA Professional Football • Chairman ECA Legal Advisory Panel Strategy Council Strategy Council • Member ECA Statutory Affairs Panel • Member UEFA Professional Football Strategy Council • Member FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber In February 2015, the ECA Executive • Member FIFA Players’ Status Committee Board was informed by Aušrys Labinas (FK Ekranas) about his resignation as ECA Board Member with immediate effect. Aušrys Labinas was ECA Executive Board Member since 2010 and showed a lot of commitment in FC Porto Olympique Lyonnais Juventus representing the interests of subdivision POR FRA ITA group four. We would like to thank Aušrys Labinas for his friendship and constructive contribution and wish him BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER BOARD MEMBER the best of luck for the future. ANDREA AGNELLI DIOGO BRANDÃO JEAN-MICHEL AULAS At the occasion of the 14th ECA General Aušrys Labinas. Executive Board Member since 2012 Executive Board Member since 2010 Executive Board Member since 2008 Assembly in Stockholm in March 2015, • Chairman ECA Institutional Relations • Member UEFA Club Competitions Committee • Chairman ECA Finance Working Group Working Group • Chairman ECA Financial Fair Play Panel Dino Selimović (FK Sarajevo) was • Member UEFA Club Competitions Committee • Chairman ECA Women’s Football Committee elected by subdivision group four to take • Member EU Task Force • Member FIFA Strategic Committee up the vacant position until the end • Member EU Social Dialogue Committee of the 2013-15 ECA Membership Cycle.

62 63 FOREWORD FROM THE ECA CHAIRMAN 01

CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS’ ACHIEVEMENTS

64 65 ECA INSIDE 14

BEST SPORTING BEST a half years of research and development PROGRESS ACHIEVEMENT were put into this project, which was launched in October 2013. In combining FC RED BULL SALZBURG | AUT CELTIC FC | SCO the dual challenge of establishing a full stadium wi-fi network and a match Recognised for their significant progress Recognised for their marketing initiative day accompanying app, the club in European competition in the 2013/14 “CelticLIVE – Full Stadium WiFi and its software partners have pushed ECA INSIDE season: The club regularly qualified for Connectivity”: In today’s super connected the boundaries. European competitions in the last few world, fans use their smartphones years. After a difficult 2012/13 European more than any other electronic device. ECA AWARDS 2014 campaign, when they were eliminated However, in most football stadia in the second qualifying round, the club smartphones don’t work for the lack of came back to the Europa League group wi-fi connection disappointing both fans The ECA Awards 2014 were traditionally presented at the occasion of the ECA General Assembly stage in 2013/14 and finished first of and commercial partners alike. Celtic FC Official Dinner in Geneva. Four member clubs were recognised for their outstanding club performances its group with 18 points, winning all its has developed a fully functioning and successful club management achievements in four different award categories. 6 games and conceding only 3 goals. “High Density Wi-Fi Network”, coupled In the round of 32 they eliminated with a tailor-made app that delivers BEST COMMUNITY & SOCIAL sports activities, integrating education EUROPEAN CLUB AFC Ajax by scoring 6 goals in 2 games, fans a live content-rich smartphone RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAMME and positive sports values during OF THE YEAR losing only in the round of 16 against experience, purposefully built to enhance the training sessions, complemented Swiss champions FC Basel 1893. their match day experience. The app This great performance has allowed the provides fans with prioritised and REAL MADRID CF | ESP by social activities. The goal is to make REAL MADRID CF | ESP children commit to their education club to make a huge jump in the UEFA exclusive content, deployed live and in Recognised for the CSR Programme and through that invest in their future. Recognised for their outstanding Club Coefficient Ranking 2014, gaining real-time by the club’s pitch-side content “Socio-Sport School in the Gallinero Twice a week, the participants go to achievement during the 2013/14 season 29 spots, from position 75 to position 46. management team. All content is curated Slum”: Real Madrid CF, through sports facilities where the coaches teach at both European and domestic level: On top of that, they maintained a great and broadcasted on a continuous basis, the Real Madrid Foundation, operates them social values by using sport Real Madrid CF has not only won the performance level on domestic level as moment-by-moment, giving fans what in 67 countries and develops 300 as an educational tool in accordance UEFA Champions League in an epic they won both the league and the cup. they want, when they want it. Additionally, social-sports schools for kids at risk with the Real Madrid Foundation final against city rivals Club Atlético and very importantly, the app offers of social exclusion. Gallinero is the guidelines and methodology. de Madrid, winning their long awaited brand partners a powerful engagement most marginal slum of Madrid where “Decima” 12 years after their last platform on every match day. Two and kids are threatened by the drugs and Similar to previous years, the ECA CSR European title, but they also secured crime environment and have limited Award Winner was nominated by an the “Copa del Rey” on domestic level. opportunities to live in healthy social independent panel, this year composed All this was achieved thanks to a great surroundings. The Gallinero Socio-Sport of the following members: attacking style, played throughout School is part of a global intervention • Mr. Peter Gilliéron, UEFA Executive the whole season, in which the team has with local authorities to encourage Committee Member and Chairman scored over 100 goals in La Liga. EUROPEAN CLUB BEST SPORTING BEST BEST CSR OF THE YEAR PROGRESS ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAMME 80 youngsters to choose a better path of the Committee for Fair Play and through education. Social Responsibility at UEFA

With the aim of contributing to the • Mr. Hubert Rovers, Founder and 2014 Real Madrid CF FC Red Bull Salzburg Celtic FC Real Madrid CF human development of underprivileged Chairman of the European Football ESP AUT SCO ESP children and youngsters aged between for Development Network (EFDN) 6 and 17 (ie children at risk of social • Mr. Dirk Degraen, KRC Genk exclusion, school drop-out, family issues, (Winner of the ECA CSR Award 2013) 2013 FC Bayern München Borussia Dortmund behavioural problems, exposure to Juventus KRC Genk GER GER ITA BEL crime or drugs, disability), the Real Madrid Foundation teaches them sports, healthy habits, provides them with school habits and team sports values using 2012 Chelsea FC APOEL FC U.C. Sampdoria FC Shakhtar Donetsk ENG CYP ITA the attraction of the club’s name and UKR know-how, and sports as an educational tool. In the Gallinero Slum Project, FC Barcelona Real Madrid CF reinforces a social and 2011 SC Braga FK Baku Celtic FC ESP community project with after-school POR AZE SCO

FC Internazionale 2010 FC Unirea Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC Milano FC Porto ROM ISR ITA POR

66 67 ECA INSIDE 14

ECA CLUB MANAGEMENT GUIDE ECA SUBDIVISION MEETINGS

With the idea launched in 2013, following requests from ECA Member Clubs, the first “ECA Club The 2014/15 season saw two ECA Subdivision Meetings taking place. ECA Member Clubs from Management Guide” was officially presented at the occasion of the ECA General Assembly in Stockholm. subdivision groups two and three gathered in St. Petersburg and respectively to discuss topics of common interest.

The objective of the ECA Club The guide does not attempt to provide It is for this reason that we are convinced Management Guide is to provide one single solution for successful club that this guide is useful, not only as The subdivision group meetings, an in-depth study of the daily business management, but offers great insight a source of information and inspiration, which replaced the regional meetings activities of a football club; by way of into effective club management methods but also as a lively tool to improve at the beginning of the 2013-15 ECA sharing various club methods to current from clubs of various sizes and countries the sustainability of clubs. Membership Cycle, are a welcomed and future club officials of real-life in Europe. The club management areas opportunity for member clubs to meet For the first time presented to ECA examples from different areas of club dealt with in the guide include, but are their peers from the same subdivision Member Clubs at the occasion of management. More than 150 interviews not limited to, operational, commercial, to exchange thoughts and ideas in the 14th General Assembly in Stockholm, an informal way. with CEOs, directors and other top community and sporting activities. the ECA Club Management Guide is executives from no fewer than 100 clubs At ECA, we commit to strongly promote now also available for public purchase. Hosted by Celtic FC at Celtic Park, were conducted to compile a vast good management and effective long-term the subdivision group three meeting saw selection of practical case studies. strategic plans within football clubs. the participation of 29 clubs representing 13 national associations. In the presence of ECA Executive Board Members Subdivision group three meeting in Glasgow hosted by Celtic FC. Peter Lawwell (Celtic FC) and Jakub Otava (AC Sparta Praha), the meeting was an occasion to discuss several issues, notably the supranational league concept, the UEFA Europa League access list and the solidarity payments. The subdivision group two meeting took place in Russia hosted by FC Zenit St. Petersburg. 27 clubs representing 8 different national associations attended the meeting, which was chaired by ECA Executive Board Members Theodore Giannikos (Olympiacos FC), Edwin van der Sar (AFC Ajax) and Michael Verschueren (RSC Anderlecht). The subdivision group two clubs used the opportunity to address matters such as financial fair play, third-party ownership and club competition

revenues distribution. Subdivision group two meeting in St. Petersburg hosted by FC Zenit St. Petersburg. As usual, feedback from subdivision meetings is reported to the ECA Executive Board.

68 69 ECA INSIDE 14

ECA WORKSHOP ON GOOD GOVERNANCE ESSMA SUMMIT 2015 AT NATIONAL LEVEL ECA partnered with the European Stadium and Safety Management Association (ESSMA) for the organisation of the ESSMA Stadium Summit 2015 at the in . The first ECA Workshop on Good Governance at National Level was successfully held at Legia Warszawa Stadium in the Polish capital with over 40 ECA Member Club Representatives attending the one-day event. Alongside the European Professional such as stadium connectivity or financing. Arena and the SGL Arena in Football Leagues (EPFL) and the Many of these workshops included as well as a visit to the training centre Good governance at national level is Warszawa SA, presented by Tomasz the big differences in governance International Centre for Sport Security presentations of case studies by of reigning Bundesliga champions a very important topic for clubs, as Zahorski, advisor to the Management models across Europe and the need (ICSS), we were official partner of the ECA Member Clubs, such as Celtic FC, FC Bayern München. Given the success nowadays every club deals with a variety Board, provided a detailed example of to define the necessary criteria and find two-day event, which was attended by FC Spartak Moskva, KAA Gent, of the event and the great participation of different stakeholders at national level the organisation of Polish professional the appropriate tools in each specific more than 220 participants from across Valencia CF, Olympique de Marseille, and involvement of ECA Member Clubs, on a daily basis. In fact, from the football football focussing on current and case in order to realise minimum criteria Europe. These included professionals Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Ferencvárosi TC. we will continue to support ESSMA and association to the league, from the club future challenges. His intervention was of governance at first and reach higher from the stadium industry as well as The event programme also foresaw future summits. The next ESSMA summit criteria at a later stage. He also detailed association to the players and coaches completed by the words of Marcin representatives from clubs, leagues practical stadium tours at the Allianz is scheduled to take place in January the different running governance projects associations, all these actors impact the Animucki, vice-president of the Polish and national associations. The main 2016 in , Spain. submitted by the member associations very existence of a club in the national League, Ekstraklasa SA, who added purpose of the summit was to allow covering aspects such as strategy, sphere. We, in our goal to serve member interesting facts about the division of experts from the stadium business transparency and accountability. clubs, decided to organise the first competences between the league and to meet their peers and exchange ECA Workshop on Good Governance the national association. The second Each presentation was followed by a thoughts and ideas with regards to at National Level with the objective case study illustrated the Scottish “Q&A session” during which the present the latest trends and developments in of reuniting members as well as building example with the intervention of Celtic FC members were able to share their issues, the industry. The programme on the first a constructive dialogue and exchange Company Secretary Michael Nicholson, ideas and experiences related to the day included keynote speeches from of knowledge and best practices. who explained the restructuring process different topics. Discussions amongst the experts representing the Allianz Arena clubs representatives proved very lively, Case studies from Legia Warszawa which happened at FA and league level and the AT&T Stadium (home of the which underlined the need for clubs SA (Poland), Celtic FC (Scotland), reflected in today's national governance Dallas Cowboys), whilst the second to meet and exchange thoughts on this Galatasaray SK (Turkey) and the Polish model. The third and last case study event day offered nine different in-depth topic. The importance of education and league Ekstraklasa SA were presented provided by Galatasaray SK Board workshops on trending stadium topics, exchange of knowledge were considered to the 40 participants from over 25 ECA Member and General Secretary Ebru very important in order to help develop Member Clubs representing no less Köksal, focused on the peculiar Turkish good governance at national level. than 16 different national associations. model where clubs are organised in Additionally, ECA Executive Board a national club association. During her Similar to previous ECA Workshops, Members Andrea Agnelli (Juventus) and intervention, she outlined in more detail the first ECA Workshop on Good UEFA EXECUTIVE MASTER Theodore Giannikos (Olympiacos FC) some particular regulations and rules of Governance at National Level turned addressed the participants in their role as the Turkish national governance system. out to be very informative. In his FOR INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS (UEFA MIP) chairman of the ECA Institutional Relations Finally, UEFA Head of Top Executive concluding remarks, ECA Executive Working Group and chairman of the Programme Mark Esselink, explained Board Member Andrea Agnelli, stressed the importance of good governance Developed in partnership with ECA and FIFPro, UEFA recently launched a new educational programme, ECA Task Force on Good Governance the work undertaken by UEFA to date in in today's football world irrespective of the “UEFA Executive Master for International Players (UEFA MIP)”. at National Level, respectively. implementing good governance within the member associations. He stressed the national differences and specificities. Following the welcome and introductory remarks from ECA Executive Board This new course aims at giving top management, over a period of 20 months For latest news and additional information Member Andrea Agnelli, the workshop players the opportunity to transfer their in major European cities, as well as in on the programme, visit the programme's kicked off with the presentation of skills from the field into decision-making New York. The launch of the UEFA MIP official website at www.uefamip.com the work of the ECA Task Force on and leadership roles off it, to ensure programme has notably been welcomed or contact the ECA Administration. Good Governance at National level that their knowledge and understanding by former international players who by ECA Executive Board Member of the game can benefit the football have previously made the transition into Theodore Giannikos. His intervention, world in the long term. positions of administrative management focusing on minimum standards The programme is delivered by two both within clubs and national associations. of governance at national level, academic institutions: the Centre de As official partner of the programme, was followed by a presentation of Droit et d'Economie du Sport (CDES) we are represented in the UEFA MIP a mapping exercise carried out by University of Limoges (France) and Management Committee, supporting the ECA Administration covering various the Birkbeck Sport Business Centre, UEFA in developing and delivering the aspects of national governance from Birkbeck, University of (UK). programme syllabus and providing input over 40 national associations in Europe. It comprises seven one-week sessions, from a club perspective. Successively, the first case study each of which deals with a different of Polish ECA Member Club Legia aspect of football administration and

70 71 ECA INSIDE 14

ECA FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2014 ECA ADMINISTRATION 2014/15

The sixth edition of the annual ECA Javier Zanetti (FC Internazionale Milano) Official Dinner, where the Green’s captain, Football Tournament took place again that won the prestigious ECA Cup 2014. Javier Zanetti, was also awarded with at the training ground of Servette FC in ECA Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the “Player of the Tournament” trophy. Geneva. Undefeated after four matches, presented the ECA Cup to the winners it was the “Green Team” captained by at the occasion of the General Assembly

Michele Centenaro Diederik Dewaele Marc Schmidgall Wouter Lambrecht General Secretary Head of Administration Communication & Legal Manager Marketing Manager

Olivier Jarosz Federico Raviglione Daan de Jong David Frommer Membership Communication & Legal Counsel Public & International Services Manager Membership Services Affairs Advisor Coordinator

Michel Zebouni Amandine Sauty Nathalie Durgnat Chairman’s Liaison Events Coordinator Personal Assistant to GS & Office Coordinator

72 73 OUTLOOK 15

OUTLOOK

With the start of the 2015/16 season, ECA enters a new two-year ECA Membership Cycle. Elections to the ECA Executive Board will take place during the ECA General Assembly, held this September in Geneva, and new working groups will be composed for the two seasons to come. Despite the many achievements of the 2014/15 season, the upcoming season promises to be no less challenging.

GOVERNANCE CLUB COMPETITIONS 2018-21 The seminars are a mix of academic and professional tutorials, case studies Following Joseph S. Blatter’s As we kick off the 2015-18 UEFA from clubs as well as interactive group announcement to step down as FIFA competition cycle, which will see a variety working sessions. The target group for president, an extraordinary FIFA congress of changes to the competition regulations this programme is the middle-ranking will be held on 26 February 2016 to elect both from a sporting and commercial management staff of ECA Member Clubs his successor. As potential candidates point of view (which we agreed upon in (or top management staff for clubs from begin to prepare their campaigns, we will close cooperation with UEFA), we will use smaller national associations) who wish to follow any development in this area with the new season to begin thinking about get a wider and more detailed knowledge close attention. A new FIFA president will possible changes for the 2018-21 cycle. of different club functions to eventually certainly herald a new era and introduce Our Competitions Working Group and our grow within the club structure. changes to the way the world governing Marketing and Communications Working body is run. In light of our improved Group will take the lead in discussing relationship with FIFA, which is reflected new ideas or improvements with regards in the recently signed agreement, to UEFA’s club competitions. As in the a new FIFA leadership might create new past, these will then be presented to opportunities for club football. We need to the ECA Executive Board before they make sure that the clubs’ stance is taken are eventually discussed with UEFA. seriously and is properly represented through the new governance system. ECA MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

Further to requests from ECA Member DISCUSSION ON TRANSFER SYSTEM Clubs and as follow-up to the first As the debate on how to improve ECA Club Management Guide the transfer system has come to a halt published in 2015, we will soon offer in the FIFA Players’ Status Committee, an additional platform to clubs for the we will take up bilateral discussions with sharing of club management knowledge: FIFPro at the beginning of the 2015/16 the ECA Management Programme. season to try and find solutions to the The programme was designed for existing divergences on the different club administration staff to gain further issues addressed. We are confident that industry-specific know-how on different a compromise solution can be found areas of club management. It will run that will be acceptable for both parties over a year and a half and be split into provided that FIFPro is open to listening six two-day seminars, each dealing with to clubs’ concerns and ideas. a different topic of club management.

74 75 FIFA CLUB PROTECTION PROGRAMME

RECOMMENDATIONS TO CLUBS PAGE 78

APPENDIX ECA PLAYER RELEASE ANALYSIS PAGE 80 APPENDIX 16

FIFA CLUB PROTECTION PROGRAMME RECOMMENDATIONS TO CLUBS

Whilst full details, including definitions, can be found in the technical bulletin of the FIFA Club Protection Programme (CPP), the following comments should assist clubs in the effective submission and administration of any claims.

FULL COOPERATION MEDICAL EVIDENCE If clubs are uncertain as to whether SALARY an injury is excluded they should It is important to note that compensation In order to prove a link between the please seek advice in time via the CPP No benefits can be paid under the CPP will be paid only if: accident and bodily injury the club is administrator and claims handler unless the following is provided: “The association, the football club and required to provide medical evidence. (see technical bulletin section three • A copy of player’s contract, signed and the football player fully cooperate with It is important that the medical evidence for contact details of the helpline). in force prior to the accident FIFA or entities appointed by FIFA for provided demonstrates that there is an • Proof of salary and social security the handling of the loss. The association identifiable link between the accident, payments before and after the accident and the football club must assist and bodily injury and temporary total FITNESS FOR DUTY FORM cooperate in obtaining and/or providing disablement. Medical evidence should FOR FINAL TOURNAMENTS any other records/documents deemed include current and historic MRI scans, For national associations participating REPORTING PERIOD necessary to evaluate the incident or CT scans or X-rays, medical records in FIFA World Cup, FIFA Confederations loss. This includes but is not limited and/or any other relevant information. Although the average reporting period Cup and Confederations final to a copy of the signed employment This information should be sent promptly by clubs is improving it must be pointed tournaments a special procedure has contract of the football player, pay slips, to the CPP administrator and claims out that according to the technical bulletin been put in place; the same procedure calculation of social security charges, handler. The sooner the required a club has to report an accident within was used for the UEFA EURO 2012 and and proof of salary payment. information is received, the quicker any 28 days after the date of incident the FIFA World Cup 2014. Where cooperation is not forthcoming, benefit for a valid claim will be paid. (NB: please refer to section 3.i. of the no compensation will be paid.” If a player is receiving medical treatment technical bulletin for the condition itself for a specific injury at the start of the as well as the consequence of neglecting). EXISTING INJURIES operative time this injury and any loss caused by and consequent upon this ACCIDENT AND BODILY INJURY Existing injuries and any losses caused injury will not be covered under the NOTE by or consequent upon such injury are In order for there to be a claim there must CPP unless it is shown that the medical not covered under the CPP. The technical bulletin of the FIFA Club be an accident during the release period treatment has been successful and Protection Programme (CPP) is the only and the club must prove that an accident It is important to note any player who the injury requires no further medical authoritative document. Whilst the above has occurred as a prerequisite of any is receiving medical treatment when treatment prior to any participation is provided to assist the claims process, payment under the CPP. he joins up with his national team is in the tournament. not covered should the part of his body FIFA would recommend clubs familiarise An accident is defined as when a player, A referral process has been developed being treated be subsequently injured. themselves with the full wording of the at an identifiable time and place during for tournaments (ie FIFA Confederations This means that any claim caused by technical bulletin which can be found the “operative time” (ie release period), Cup 2013, FIFA World Cup 2014) or consequent upon such an existing on www..com and to appoint a suffers a bodily injury due to a sudden whereby it is obligatory to fill out and injury is not covered and no benefit will responsible person within the club who external force acting on his body; and/or return the “fitness for duty” form in order be paid under the CPP. is looking after the internal administration a specific, sudden act of exertion at for the respective part of the body to be of any claims made under the CPP. an identifiable time and place from considered in relation to any claim under FIFA also recommends early contact which the player suffers a bodily injury. the CPP. The claims handler will inform EXISTING INJURIES with the CPP administrator and claims In addition, the accident must result the respective national association, within VERSUS PRE-EXISTING INJURIES handler, in respect of injuries which may in an identifiable physical/bodily injury a maximum of two working days following be the subject of a claim under the CPP, causing a temporary total disablement Existing injuries should not be confused receipt of full documentation, if full cover as this will ensure all relevant matters which entirely prevents the player with pre-existing injuries which are can be provided or not. are covered at the earliest opportunity from participating in his occupation. included under the CPP. Only injuries where the player is receiving medical and allow the most effective conduct A bodily injury would normally be a new, treatment from a healthcare practitioner at of any claim brought. acute injury or a recurring injury that the start of the operative time are defined had previously healed. as “existing” and are, therefore, excluded. If there is no link between an identified accident and the resulting bodily injury, no benefit will be paid under the CPP.

78 79 APPENDIX 16

ECA PLAYER RELEASE ANALYSIS CAF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS 2015

% The 2014/15 season has not only been a remarkable one at club level, but has also been characterised 66.9 170 by the staging of four major national team tournaments, namely the AFC Asian Cup, the CAF Africa Cup % % of Nations, the CONMEBOL Copa América and the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Additionally, the FIFA Women’s 4.1 1.2 World Cup took place in Canada. We have, for each of these competitions, published a tournament-related AFC CONCACAF European clubs from Africa Cup of Nations 10 3 ECA Player Release Analysis, highlighting the number and origin of clubs involved in releasing players. 33 different UEFA players (246 players This year’s reports provide a comprehensive analysis by club, country and confederation, highlighting Member Associations from a total of 368) 24.7 % are involved in the currently play once more the importance of European club football in the world game. The full reports are available release of players in one of the CAF for download on the ECA Website www.ecaeurope.com. (including 63 ECA European national 60 Member Clubs) championships

AFC ASIAN CUP 2015 ORIGIN OF CLUBS 71 RELEASING PLAYERS 13.1% 13 (BY CONFEDERATION) 41 13 All 23 players of Africa Cup of Nations the national team players are registered of Senegal play European clubs from AFC Asian Cup 1. FSV Mainz 05 (GER) Out of 23 players AFC Asian Cup with 33 clubs in Europe 15 different UEFA players (48 players is the European club of the national team of players registered with in France Member Associations from a total of 367) releasing the most Australia play in Europe clubs in Germany are involved in the currently play in one of players, with 3 players release of players the European national released 70% (including 15 ECA championships Member Clubs) UEFA 170 FC Girondins de Bordeaux (FRA) and Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) are the two European clubs releasing the most players, with 5 players released ORIGIN OF EUROPEAN CLUBS RELEASING PLAYERS (BY COUNTRY)

COUNTRY CLUBS PLAYERS Germany 8 13 England 8 9 Netherlands 4 4 Russia 4 4 Belgium 3 3 Italy 2 2 Sweden 2 2 Switzerland 2 2 Turkey 2 2 Spain 1 2 Kazakhstan 1 1 Poland 1 1 Portugal 1 1 Slovenia 1 1 Ukraine 1 1

80 81 APPENDIX 16

CONMEBOL COPA AMÉRICA 2015 CONCACAF GOLD CUP 2015

46.4% EUROPEAN CLUB REPRESENTATION IN PARTICIPATING NATIONAL TEAMS 83 75 Argentina 12

20/23 European clubs from European clubs from Copa América players 22 different UEFA Out of 23 players 16 different UEFA (128 players from a Brazil Member Associations of the national team Member Associations total of 276) currently 16 are involved in the of Haiti play in Europe are involved in the play in one of the /23 release of players release of players European national (including 22 ECA (including 46 ECA championships Chile / Colombia Member Clubs) 75 Member Clubs) 15 /23 49 83 Uruguay 29% 66 13/23 2013 2015 Jamaica Paris Saint-Germain FC Total number of (FRA) is the European 12/23 CONCACAF Gold Cup European clubs club releasing players (80 players releasing players in 2011 2015 the most players, with Venezuela from a total of 276) the 2013 and 2015 6 players released Total number of 11 currently play in one of CONCACAF Gold Cup European clubs /23 the European national releasing players in Peru championships the 2011 and 2015 Copa América 8/23 19.6% 2013 20 Ecuador / Paraguay 20 54 30 5/23 Out of 23 players of the national team Bolivia / Mexico % of Argentina play 4 Different English clubs 29 in Europe /23 are releasing players 2015 Copa América players for the tournament are registered with 80 English clubs

Number and % of players registered with European clubs in 2013 and 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup

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