"ECA is being cast as an evil elite killing football. What nonsense" (C. Marshall, CEO)

"European Club Association is being cast as an evil elite killing football. What nonsense," said Charlie Marshall, CEO of the ECA, in an article published on The Guardian website on 10/05/2023.

The Briton was reacting to the launch in Brussels (BEL) on 24/04/2023 of the UEC ("Union of European Clubs"), a new body designed to represent medium and small European clubs. "The Union of European Clubs fills a massive void and will champion the interests of the clubs that form the foundation of European football," said Dennis Gudasic (CRO), one of the UEC founders, who is also the executive director of Lokomotiva FC Zagreb (Croatian D1). "The ECA does not represent European clubs. Is the ECA open? Yes, for tea, coffee and Coca Cola. And great hotels for conferences, but not to vote, not to make decisions," said Javier Tebas, LaLiga president, at the same presentation of the UEC. Among the clubs that have decided to join this new organisation is Crystal Palace FC (Premier League).

"One of ECA's vice-chairs is Aki Riihilahti, the former Palace midfielder and current CEO of HJK Helsinki. HJK’s…