ECA: board approves reform of governance & membership structure

The board of the European Club Association, which met in Dublin (Ireland) on 04/09/2024, has approved the "Membership for all" reform, announced the ECA the same day. This reform still has to be ratified by the association's general assembly, to be held in Athens (Greece) from 08 to 10/10/2024.

The reform "will see the existing membership structure amended with the partner/network category being merged into the associated member category across respective subdivisions. This means that the former Network/Partner clubs will have the ability to elect members to the board via the subdivisions and have the same rights as those held by associated members," explained the ECA.

In addition, Jean-Claude Blanc, a member of the board at Manchester United FC (Premier League), has been appointed to the board of UEFA Club Competitions SA, a joint venture between the ECA and UEFA, and to the ECA board for the remainder of the 2023-2027 cycle, replacing Vinai Venkatesham, who was the CEO of Arsenal FC (Premier League) until June 2024.

Another decision taken by the European Club Association's board…