UEFA explainer: Convention on the Future of European Football
Friday, September 10, 2021
Article summary
Everything you need to know about the convention’s kick-off meeting at UEFA’s Nyon headquarters in Switzerland from 9 to 10 September 2021.
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“With this convention process we will talk to each other, listen to each other, and find solutions together.”
What is the objective of the Convention on the Future of European Football?
Announced in May 2021, the convention is a consultation process uniting Europe’s football community to address issues facing the game, in particular its recovery from the crisis caused by the global pandemic.
Over the coming months, participants will reflect on long-term policy and governance reforms needed to build a sustainable future for football that benefits everyone.
Who will take part in the convention?
The convention brings together representatives of the entire football community – national football associations, leagues, clubs, players, coaches, fans, agents, commercial partners and policymakers.
The event’s plenary format will ensure a fair and proportionate representation of all the major stakeholders in European football.
Both the European Union and the Council of Europe are supporting the convention, with high-level representatives participating as formal observers.
What topics will be on the convention’s agenda?
The convention will open and close with plenary sessions. There will be four working groups, moderated by independent experts, which will focus on four key issues facing professional football:
- How to optimise financial sustainability and responsibility within European football and identify measures to promote cost control mechanisms and sensible financial management?
- How to strengthen competitiveness, solidarity distributions and player development to maintain a competitive balance at all levels.
- What measures can be taken to safeguard the European sports model and pyramid structure?
- How to accelerate the professionalisation and sustainability of women’s football.
For each topic, the working groups will identify collaborative and comprehensive actions that support both the short and long-term positive development of the entire European football pyramid.
When will the convention assemble again?
The convention will reconvene in November 2021 for another round of consultations consisting of a final plenary session and further working group meetings.