From the G14 to the ECA, Jean-Michel Aulas' quest for influence on a European scale

Jean-Michel Aulas has been a member of the executive committee of the European Club Association (ECA) since the creation in 2008 of this body responsible for representing the interests of European clubs, in particular with UEFA.

Very active in national bodies through his work with the LFP and the FFF, the Lyon entrepreneur has always wanted to play a role on an international level.

Firstly in sporting matters, as illustrated by the qualification of the Olympique Lyonnais men's team for the European Cups for 23 consecutive seasons from 1997 to 2020 and the eight UEFA Champions Leagues won by the OL Féminin between 2011 and 2022.

As well as through his influence within the institutions themselves, and this since 2000 and the creation of the G14, a group of 14 clubs (18 from 2002) considered too elitist, which was eventually dissolved in 2008 - a few months after Jean-Michel Aulas took over the presidency - to make way for the ECA, which counts 245 first division clubs as members in 2022-23.

Two key issues will have marked the former OL president's time at the ECA:
• Financial Fair Play…