European Leagues: "Tackling the growing polarisation of football is our central objective" (C. Schäfer)

"Our central strategic objective for the years ahead is to tackle the growing financial and sporting polarisation of football by driving a significant change in the redistribution of revenues from international club competitions — while in parallel advocating for stronger cost-control and expenditure regulations across the board," said Claudius Schäfer, president of European Leagues, on 12/03/2026.

The Swiss, elected on 06/03/2025 for the 2025-2029 cycle, spoke at the European Leagues general assembly held in Sofia (Bulgaria) on 11 and 12/03/2026.

"Our members (40 football leagues from 34 European countries) run domestic league competitions. The best league football in the world is played in Europe. And let us not forget: more than 90% of European professional clubs compete and develop solely at domestic level. The same is true of the overwhelming majority of professional players," added Claudius Schäfer, who is also the CEO of the Swiss Super League.

"Our agenda is not disruptive. What we want is straightforward: we want our leagues and their clubs — all clubs, not just the elite few…