Increased solidarity for all clubs

UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) are extremely pleased to announce an increase in the solidarity percentage for the next, 2009-2012 UEFA Champions League cycle, starting with the 2009/10 season.

Significant increase
The solidarity percentage for clubs not taking part in the UEFA Champions League, which is earmarked for youth training programmes, will increase from the current 5 per cent to 6.5 per cent. Based on present revenue projections, this means that in season 2009/10 approximately €55m would be made available for redistribution to these clubs via the national associations and professional leagues – which is approximately €23m more than in the last season of the previous cycle. Including the additional allocations also made available to clubs from leagues with no participants in the UEFA Champions League, the solidarity pot will amount to approximately €67m.

Eliminated clubs
Additionally, the solidarity amounts paid to clubs eliminated in the qualifying stages of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League will also increase.

'Supporting youth development'
UEFA President Michel Platini said: "We are in agreement with the ECA and are grateful for their support as we have always insisted that a percentage of the revenues generated by the UEFA Champions League be redistributed, via the principle of solidarity, back to those clubs that are not directly participating in the competition. Together with the ECA, we are committed to supporting top division clubs' youth development activities, in compliance with the national youth development programmes."

'United family'
The ECA chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, is also satisfied with this outcome, saying: "Since its founding, a little more than a year ago, ECA has been working hard on increasing the solidarity among clubs. We represent 137 clubs from all over Europe, so we are extremely pleased that not only the top ones will share the success of this wonderful competition. This decision shows that the European football family is truly united in these delicate financial times."