ECA: UEFA EURO 2008 delivers financial benefits to clubs
Nyon, Switzerland (ots)
180 clubs representing 24 national associations receive solidarity payments
The European Club Association (ECA) is pleased to announce that UEFA has finalised the financial calculations regarding the highly successful UEFA EURO 2008, and payments can now be made to the national associations for them to pass on to their clubs for their contribution to the successful final tournament in Austria and Switzerland.
These payments form part of the agreement of the historic Memorandum of Understanding, signed between UEFA and ECA on 21 January 2008 that allowed for the dissolution of the so-called G-14 and enabled harmony to return to European club football, and approved by the UEFA Executive Committee at their Zagreb meeting of 29/30 January 2008. The Memorandum of Understanding followed a letter of intent signed by FIFA, UEFA and representatives of the European clubs at the home of FIFA, in Zurich, on 15 January 2008.
The target total amount set for distribution to the national associations from UEFA EURO 2008 was fixed at ¤43.5 million. For UEFA EURO 2012 the target total amount to be distributed is set at euro 55 million, provided the final financial results of UEFA EURO 2012 are substantially similar to those of UEFA EURO 2008.
A total of 180 clubs are set to benefit from their contribution to the success of the final round of UEFA EURO 2008, and together they represent 24 of UEFA's 53 national associations. For the full list of the clubs, and the total amount received by each club click here: http://www.presseportal.ch/go2/UEFA_clubs
For the full amount per national association click here: http://www.presseportal.ch/go2/UEFA_federation
The top three clubs providing players for UEFA EURO 2008 in order were first Werder Bremen, with a total payment of euro 1,093,732, Olympique Lyonnais (¤1,039,115) and FC Bayern München (eoro 1,018,109). Furthermore, clubs which are not currently playing in their top division (Grazer AK, NK Istra Pula, Birmingham City FC, Reading FC, Southampton FC, Sheffield United FC, FC Metz, RC Lens, ES Troyes, FC Kaiserslautern, FSV Mainz 05, KS Hutnik Kraków, GKS Górnik Leczna, Desportivo Aves, FC Kuban Krasnodar, FK Torpedo Moskva, Real Club Celta de Vigo and Vestel Manisaspor) also received a share. Clubs from national associations such as Belgium, Denmark, Ukraine and Moldova, which had no national team at UEFA EURO 2008, will also benefit from payments.
Each club's share is calculated by the "per player per day" amount multiplied by the number of days each player was at UEFA EURO 2008. The period of time over which the calculation is based begins two weeks before the first match of the player's national team and ends on the day after the team is eliminated. From this calculation, the relevant percentage of the share is calculated for passing on to the club(s) with which the player was registered in the two years prior to the start of the final tournament.
In order to be eligible for a share of the benefits from UEFA EURO 2008 and for UEFA EURO 2012 clubs were asked to fill in, sign and return a Club Application Form to UEFA, in which they agreed to support national team competitions and to comply with the FIFA regulations on the release of players. Some 636 clubs duly filled in, signed and returned the forms.
Commenting on the payments UEFA President, Michel Platini, said: "It is a testament to the new harmony in European football, and the willingness of associations and clubs to cooperate for the good of the game, that we are able to deliver to the clubs a tangible benefit for their contribution to UEFA EURO 2008."
"We witnessed a truly fantastic UEFA European Football Championship this summer, both on and off the pitch, one where respect was shown by players, officials and fans alike, and I am pleased that the clubs can now also be a part of that."
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Chairman of the European Club Association, said: "The European Club Association very much welcomes today's announcement. It marks a historic moment in recognizing and rewarding the important contribution that football clubs make to the success of European level national team competitions such as EURO 2008. It also underlines the collaborative spirit within the football family in Europe as together we work to shape the future of our game."
About ECA
The European Club Association is the sole, independent body representing football clubs at European level, and takes its place at the high table of European football along with UEFA, and official bodies representing players and the leagues.
The formation of ECA marks an end to disharmony in the European football family, and clears the way for the collaboration of all parties in building the future of the game in Europe. Through ECA, and for the first time in some years, clubs now have a powerful voice in decision-making that shapes the future of professional football in Europe.
ECA replaces the G-14 group and the European Club Forum both dissolved early in 2008 and is fully recognized by UEFA and FIFA. ECA is committed to play a major and constructive role in helping shape the future of football, for the benefit of all concerned with the game.
If you are interested in an interview with an ECA spokesperson to learn more, please contact:
Walter Bruderer (English, German, French) Tel.: +41/22/879'85'19 E-Mail: wbruderer@webershandwick.com
ECA - LEADING THE WAY FOR FOOTBALL CLUBS IN EUROPE
Contact:
Walter Bruderer
Senior Consultant
Weber Shandwick Switzerland Geneva
Business Center
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Tel.: +41/22/879'85'19 (direct line)
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E-Mail: wbruderer@webershandwick.com
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