The ECA wants these issues addressed before its memorandum of understanding with FIFA and UEFA expires in 2014. The end of that agreement would mean clubs would no longer be legally bound to compete in the Champions League or release their players to compete in internationals. Clubs may be forced into decisive action if their concerns are ignored, according to association board member Umberto Gandini, in what is being widely viewed as a sign that the idea of a Super League is again being considered.
“We are the ones who invest the money, we are the ones who develop the players, we are the ones who give the players a reason to play,” Gandini, a director of Serie A champion AC Milan, told Bloomberg. “Without the clubs, what do you think they are going to do?” Talk of a Super League was rife in January 2008 before an agreement was reached with FIFA and UEFA that led to the disbanding of the G-14 Group. The ECA was formed in its wake and now represents 197 clubs across the continent.
The ECA’s concerns surround the increasing number of national team games scheduled by FIFA, the governing body’s perceived reluctance to pay insurance contributions and the growing financial might of the two bodies through increasing TV and sponsorship revenues. “We will keep on fighting to find the right balance between national association football and club football,” Gandini added. “Into the future I cannot see exactly what will happen, but for sure the ultimate position could well be a refusal of cooperation or the refusal to accept the imposition of certain rules.”
Gandini’s comments come after ECA chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge this week called for a club-led “revolution” against the decision makers in world football. The Bayern Munich CEO hinted at a possible breakaway from international associations if the clubs grievances are not heard.
A board member of the ECA told The Guardian: "The fact that Bayern Munich, who have always been close to the institutions, are being so vocal and loud about the situation is a clear sign we're very close to breaking point. We have a memorandum of understanding with UEFA that expires in 2014. After that time we can no longer be forced to respect FIFA statutes or UEFA regulations. And we won't be obliged to compete in their competitions."