EXCO back in business

UEFA's Executive Committee reconvenes after the summer break for its latest meeting, which takes place in Istanbul on Wednesday and Thursday.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski
UEFA's supreme executive body, chaired by UEFA President Michel Platini, will meet at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning. The gathering will be followed by a press conference on Thursday from 12.15 local time in the Mabeyn room at the hotel.

Licensing topic
Club licensing is a main item on the agenda for the meeting. UEFA introduced its club licensing scheme at the start of the 2004/05 season as a means of improving clubs' infrastructures and financial stability. The Executive Committee will hear a report on the club licensing system after four successful years of operation.

EURO charity partner
A decision will be taken on the official charity partner for the UEFA EURO 2008™ tournament in Austria and Switzerland next summer. UEFA's social responsibility programme has led it to work with a variety of organisations in recent years in areas such as the fight against racism and discrimination, children at war, landmines, football for individuals with learning difficulties and grassroots football for children in areas affected by hostilities.

Congress hosts
The host associations for UEFA's Congresses in 2009 and 2010 are also up for discussion. The next ordinary UEFA Congress – Europe's football parliament bringing together UEFA's 53 member associations – is scheduled for January 2008 in Croatia.

Arrive early
UEFA urges media representatives to arrive at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski early on Thursday, as the press conference may be brought forward should the meeting end earlier than planned.