Greater say, higher revenues: Carro and Rolfes at the EFC General Meeting

More than 1,000 delegates gathered at the ‘Bella Center Copenhagen’. The EFC is the central organisation for European professional football clubs, recognised by UEFA and FIFA, and plays a key role in shaping the sporting and economic development of club football. It now comprises 920 men’s and women’s clubs from 55 countries and territories.

“European club football today wields enormous sporting, economic and social influence. This is an excellent situation for our sport, but none of it can be taken for granted,” said Carro, who has been a member of the EFC Executive Committee since 2021, where he represents the interests of the Bundesliga. “Particularly at a time when the credibility of football is at stake, transparency, open dialogue and genuine participation must form the basis for decision-making. The EFC creates important structures to this end and gives clubs of all sizes a voice.”

EFC strengthens voice of clubs 

A key outcome of the General Assembly was the unanimous decision to reform the EFC’s governance structure. From the 2027–2031 term of office onwards, the Executive Board will comprise 33 members with voting rights. At least five and up to seven seats are earmarked for Associated Member Clubs. The representation of women is also to be further strengthened.

In future, all EFC member clubs will, in principle, be eligible to represent the organisation on UEFA and FIFA committees. It was also decided to set up a new working group on medicine and performance development. Furthermore, a feasibility study is to be carried out to determine how clubs worldwide can be more closely involved in key decisions.

Carro reports on UC3 and rising revenues

Carro spoke on stage about the development of UC3. The joint venture between UEFA and the EFC is responsible for marketing the media, sponsorship and licensing rights for European men’s and women’s club competitions. UEFA and the clubs are represented on an equal footing on the Board of Administration.

Since being restructured as a fully-fledged joint venture, annual revenue from UEFA club competitions has risen to over 4.4 billion euros. For the 2027–2031 marketing cycle, revenue of more than five billion euros per season is expected for the first time. At the same time, the rising revenues are intended to enable higher solidarity payments to non-participating clubs, as well as additional investment in youth and women’s football.

discussions with Al-Khelaïfi, Marshall and Čeferin

Among the key figures at the General Assembly were EFC Chairman and PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, EFC CEO Charlie Marshall and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. In addition to the economic development of club competitions, discussions focused in particular on more transparent decision-making processes, international cooperation and greater club involvement.

As well as serving on the EFC Executive Committee, Carro is a member of the UEFA Club Competitions Committee (CCC) and the Board of Administration of UC3. The Bayer 04 CEO is also a member of the Bundesliga Supervisory Board.