UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) have today signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that extends their cooperation until 2030. Building on a relationship which now spans over fifteen years, the new MoU will elevate their partnership to bolster long-term stability and sustainable growth in European club football.
At the heart of this agreement lies a full commitment to strengthen the core principles of the European football pyramid championed by fans across Europe. This includes the central role of UEFA as the European governing body and the open system of promotion and relegation that ultimately culminates in qualification for an open model of European competitions.
The revamped agreement aligns the cooperative efforts of both organisations with the evolving landscape of the men's and women’s international match calendar and the forthcoming structural changes to men's UEFA club competitions, effective from the 2024/25 season that will bring more opportunities for more clubs, but also for players and supporters alike, while keeping the pyramid open and democratic.
A central element of this agreement is the shared priority to nurture European club football at every level. This will manifest through a new revenue distribution model for the 2024-2027 cycle, boasting an unprecedented increase of solidarity payments that will benefit clubs in domestic league competitions.
The share reserved in the new cycle to clubs not participating in the league phase of UEFA competitions will increase to a total of 10%: besides the 3% reserved for clubs eliminated in the qualifying rounds, the share for clubs which have not participated at all will grow to 7%, (up from the current 4%), securing €440m per season – being €1.32bn over the cycle – in what is the sole redistribution scheme for clubs at a pan-European level. The new distribution system for participating clubs will give greater focus to participation (from 25% to 27,5% will be shared equally) and performance (from 30% to 37,5%), while the existing two pillars of market pool and coefficient will be merged and reduced (from 45% to 35%). Full details of the new system will be disclosed as soon as the technical work has concluded.
The MoU also captures the evolution of UEFA Club Competitions SA – the joint venture between UEFA and the ECA – to further drive the commercial development of UEFA’s club competitions.
The new agreement also mirrors the remarkable strides taken in the development of women’s football. UEFA and the ECA are united in their drive to enhance competitions, fostering the growth of the next generation of talented female players, and establishing the bedrock for a resilient and sustainable women's football ecosystem and business model.
Finally, the renewed MoU continues to prioritise critical issues such as environmental, social and corporate governance as well as financial sustainability to secure the overall well-being of European football.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said: "This new MoU builds upon the solid foundation of cooperation between UEFA and the ECA to enhance the open and values-based European football pyramid celebrated by fans worldwide. It will bring continuity, stability and healthy growth that will benefit every corner of Europe. I would like to thank the ECA Executive Board and its Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi for their efforts in making this renewed agreement become a reality. Our cooperation will strengthen European football, and we look forward to it resulting in the further development and success of the game."
ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi said: “This renewed Memorandum of Understanding between ECA and UEFA until 2030 is fantastic news for all European clubs, and for everyone concerned with the stability and prosperity of European club football. The MoU formalises agreements between UEFA and ECA on a wide range of governance, representation, regulatory, financial and sporting matters and establishes solid foundations for the continued development of European club football.
“As the ECA family continues to rapidly multiply in size, representing clubs of all sizes in all corners of Europe, we very much look forward to our continued constructive, collaborative and trusted relationship with UEFA, ECA’s most important partner.”
This latest MoU reaffirms UEFA's steadfast commitment to democratic governance, building upon its earlier decision to incorporate the perspectives of players (via FIFPRO Europe) and fans (via Football Supporters Europe) alongside those of leagues and clubs in its decision-making process. This approach is aimed at nurturing an even more inclusive, resilient, and transparent governance framework for European football.
FIFPRO Europe, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA, England) and the Union Nationale des Footballeurs Professionnels (UNFP, France) welcome UEFA’s decision not to apply the new guidelines around additional stoppage time to European competitions.
This decision shows UEFA have listened to the players and their unions.
"This is an excellent player-centric decision which will make a difference for footballers across Europe," said FIFPRO Europe President and UNFP Vice-President David Terrier. "The fruitful cooperation with UEFA underlines our shared commitment to enhancing player welfare.
“This collaborative approach fills us with confidence for the future relationship between UEFA, professional players, and their respective unions.”
PFA CEO and FIFPRO board member Maheta Molango said: “Player workload is the number one issue when I speak to members at clubs who will be competing for club and country. It is totally unsustainable. It’s clear they are having to make really difficult decisions about how to protect their own health and fitness.
“The comments from Zvonimir Boban [UEFA’s Chief of Football] show that he gets it. From his own experience he understands the player perspective and the fact that this is ultimately a player wellbeing issue. I will keep saying it – we can’t keep pushing the players until they break.”
Published Thursday, 31 August 2023.
Published Tuesday, 29 August 2023.
TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA
Circular no. 1855
Zurich, 28 August 2023
Lifting of the suspension of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL)
Dear Sir or Madam,
We would like to inform you that, based on the decision taken by the Bureau of the FIFA Council on 27 August 2023, the suspension of the FFSL has been lifted with immediate effect.
In view of the above, all of the FFSL’s membership rights as defined in article 13 of the FIFA Statutes have been reinstated with immediate effect. Consequently, the FFSL’s representative and club teams are again entitled to take part in international competitions. This also means that FFSL members and officials may benefit from development programmes, courses and training provided by FIFA and/or the AFC. Moreover, FIFA member associations may again enter into sporting contact with the FFSL and/or its teams.
Thank you for taking note of the above.
Yours faithfully,
FIFA
Fatma Samoura
Secretary General
Published Friday, 25 August 2023.
The ITA’s partnership with Caribbean RADO focuses on harmonising testing efforts to ensure an effective allocation of resources and intelligence-led programs at both national and international levels. The collaboration also supports the exchange of information between the ITA and the Caribbean RADO to the benefit of potential investigations and intelligence-led doping controls in the countries and for the athletes it represents. Finally, the collaboration also extends to identifying mutual efficiencies and opportunities for capacity building in the area of anti-doping education.
The Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization is based in Barbados and acts as the secretariat to coordinate anti-doping efforts in the countries of Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, The Virgin Islands (US), Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Caicos Islands. It was established in 2005, one year after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) created the RADO program to strengthen the protection of athletes in regions where countries organise their anti-doping efforts within regional conglomerates and is one of three RADOs in the Americas. It is the third RADO to enter a partnership with the ITA after the Central Asian and Panamerican RADOs.
“We are very pleased to officialise our collaboration with the Caribbean RADO and strengthen our network of partnerships in the Americas,” said ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen. “Through our joint agreement we can work hand in hand to enhance anti-doping efforts for international-level athletes from the countries the Caribbean RADO represents and those who are tested within their territory. Seamless information-sharing between our two organisations will furthermore ensure that investigations into any potential doping offences can be conducted across borders and regions. I welcome the Caribbean RADO to our network of partnerships with national and regional anti-doping organisations and look forward to working with them for our joint cause of fair play and clean sport.”
“The Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization is committed to fostering a clean-sport environment, ensuring that our member countries are compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code, while protecting the rights of athletes,” said Patrick Werleman, Chairman of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization. “As such, we focus on establishing key partnerships with regional and international organizations. We are enthusiastic about the new collaboration agreement between the Caribbean RADO and the International Testing Agency (ITA). We have worked well with the ITA on numerous occasions; and this MOU further highlights our continued commitment to the delivery of high-quality anti-doping services. The Caribbean RADO coordinates most of the sample collection in our member countries on behalf of local, regional, and international sporting bodies. This collaboration with the ITA is especially valuable in the areas of testing, information sharing and intelligence. We are looking forward to working closer and more effectively with the ITA to the benefit of our member countries and the Caribbean region as a whole.”
The ITA has already established bilateral collaboration agreements with over 30 National and Regional Anti-Doping Organisations on all continents of the world. The ITA strongly believes that the anti-doping community is able to bring the support of athletes to the next level by working hand-in-hand with all other anti-doping organisations. Consequently, the ITA will continue to welcome to its network any National and Regional Anti-Doping Organisation that wishes to strengthen synergies between national and international level anti-doping programs.
Tonga centre George Moala’s appeal against the decision of a Judicial Committee to suspend him for five matches arising from an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.18 (lifting tackle) in Tonga’s Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Canada on 10 August, 2023, was heard remotely on 24 August, 2023.
The independent Appeal Committee was chaired by Christopher Quinlan KC (independent Judicial Panel Chairman), Brenda Heather-Latu (Samoa) and Judge Mike Mika (New Zealand).
The Appeal Committee dismissed the player’s appeal against the entry point of the offending. Having considered the evidence before it, the Appeal Committee found that the Judicial Committee which heard the case at first instance was entitled to find that the tackle warranted a mid-range entry point and accordingly upheld the decision of the Disciplinary Committee.
As Moala has been selected in the Tonga Rugby World Cup 2023 squad the suspension remains as imposed by the Judicial Committee and therefore the player will miss the following matches:
- Tonga v Canada – 15 August, 2023
- Clermont Auvergne v Perpignan – 26 August, 2023
- Ireland v Tonga – 16 September, 2023
- Scotland v Tonga – 24 September, 2023
- South Africa v Tonga – 1 October, 2023
The full written decision will appear here once available.
Junaid Siddique of the United Arab Emirates has been fined 25 per cent of his match fee and two demerit points have been added to his disciplinary record for two Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third Twenty20 International against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday.
Siddique was handed an official reprimand and one demerit point was added to his disciplinary record for breaching article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”
He was also fined 25 per cent of his match fee and one more demerit point was added to his disciplinary record for another offence later in the match, when he breached article 2.8, which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.”
As a consequence, Siddique has two demerit points on his disciplinary record as he has not had any previous offences in the preceding 24-month period.
The first incident occurred in the fifth over of New Zealand’s innings, when Siddique moved in close proximity to dismissed batter Tim Seifert and shouted aggressively at him.
Then in the 17th over, Siddique showed dissent by using inappropriate language towards the umpire when an appeal for a dismissal was turned down.
Siddique admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing.
On-field umpires Akbar Ali and Shiju Sam, and third umpire Aasif Iqbal levelled the charges.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.
Published Monday, 21 August 2023.
Published Monday, 14 August 2023.
Published Thursday, 03 August 2023.
Published Friday, 28 July 2023.
The IWF is set to take a number of key decisions during the upcoming Congress and Executive Board meeting in Riyadh as it pushes ahead with reforming the organisation and establishing a clear plan for a stronger future.
The meetings will take place on the occasion of the IWF World Championships, which will feature around 700 athletes from 120 nations, including all 20 current world champions, as athletes compete for Paris 2024 Olympic qualification.
During the IWF Congress on September 12, National Federations will vote to approve the IWF Strategic Plan 2024-2032 which was developed following the broadest-ever consultation in the sport’s history. The plan provides a roadmap for weightlifting’s global development as the IWF looks to shape a new future as a clean, athlete-centred, and well-governed modern sport.
The Congress will also vote on proposed amendments to the IWF Constitution to provide better understanding and clarity, ensuring the document serves its purpose as an effective tool of governance.
Ahead of the Congress, the IWF Executive Board will approve the implementation process of the Athlete Gender Identity Policy which has been in force since August 1 and aims to promote inclusion while also respecting the integrity of competitions. The EB will also approve the Terms of Reference for the IWF Safety and Integrity Officer which was recently created by the IWF to enhance athlete safeguarding.
Speaking ahead of the key meetings, IWF President Mohammed Jalood said:
“Riyadh will be a momentous occasion for the IWF both on and off the field of play. Over 14 days of elite competition we will celebrate the world’s very best athletes as they compete for world titles and all-important Paris 2024 qualification. And away from the competition our Congress and Executive Board will take important decisions to safeguard our athletes and deliver the strongest possible future for our sport.
“The collaborative Strategic Plan 2024-2032 is critical in providing a clear framework for weightlifting and ensuring clean athletes and good governance are at the heart of our work. The implementation plan of the Athlete Gender Identity Policy and terms of IWF Safety and Integrity Officer also demonstrates our commitment to our athletes and ensuring they have an inclusive, safe, and fair environment to compete in.”
Published Thursday, 31 August 2023.
Cambridge United FC has received a total fine of £12,000, of which £1,000 is suspended, after admitting multiple breaches of EFL Regulations for the naming of an ineligible player on a Team Sheet and the submission of a backdated document.
The League has also issued a written warning to a Club employee who was also deemed to be in breach of EFL Regulations.
The suspended fine will be activated if the Club fails to register a player in accordance with the Regulations who features on a Team Sheet in any competition organised by the League before 30 June 2024.
The sanction was imposed in accordance with the terms of an ‘Agreed Decision’ which has formally been ratified by an Independent Disciplinary Commission Chair as per the requirements of EFL Regulations.
Cambridge United FC will also pay the associated costs of ratification of the Agreed Decision and the costs of the League (to be assessed if not agreed).
The Agreed Decision can be found here.
New Zealand's Scott Barrett appeared before an independent Judicial Committee on Monday, 28 August having received a red card in New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup 2023 warm-up match against South Africa on 25 August 2023. The red card was awarded following the receipt of two yellow cards.
The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Sir James Dingemans (England), joined by former international player Olly Kohn (Wales) and former referee Valeriu Toma (Romania).
The Committee found that Appendix 4 of Regulation 17 requires the Judicial Committee to apply a sanction for the offence of persistent offending, not for the substantive offences relating to each yellow card (see Regulation 17, Appendix 4, at B.1).
The full written decision can be found here.
Appendix 4 at B 2(c) provides that: “The … judicial committee may decide that sending off was sufficient … in the following circumstances … (c) any of the temporary suspensions were awarded for so-called technical offences (including following a team warning) not involving a breach of laws 9.11 to 9.28 inclusive.”
The independent Judicial Committee found that sending off was a sufficient sanction in this case because the player was sent off for two yellow cards (referred to as temporary suspensions in the appendix), and the first of those yellow cards was for a technical offence following a team warning.
The player has the right of appeal within 48 hours of the issuing of the full written decision, which will appear here once published.
Click here to watch the video that explains how rugby’s disciplinary process works.
Visit World Rugby’s dedicated disciplinary process education and information page here.
The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio (Colombia), in use of the powers granted by article 51 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), has decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level. This suspension, which will be effective as of today, is for an initial period of 90 days, pending the disciplinary proceedings opened against Mr. Luis Rubiales on Thursday, August 24.
Likewise, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and in order to preserve, among other factors, the fundamental rights of the national soccer team player Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and the good order of the disciplinary proceedings before this disciplinary body, has issued two additional directives (article 7 FDC) by which he orders Mr. Luis Rubiales to refrain, through himself or third parties, from contacting or attempting to contact the professional player of the Spanish national football team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso or her close environment. Likewise, the RFEF and its officials or employees, directly or through third parties, are ordered to refrain from contacting the professional player of the Spanish national team Ms. Jennifer Hermoso and her close environment.
The decision adopted by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has been communicated today to Mr. Luis Rubiales, the RFEF and UEFA for due compliance.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will not provide any further information on these disciplinary proceedings until a final decision has been taken.
FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respect the integrity of all persons and therefore condemns with the utmost vigour any behaviour to the contrary.
Published Friday, 25 August 2023.
TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FIFA
Circular no. 1854
Zurich, 24 August 2023
FIFA Women’s Football Member Associations Survey Report 2023
Dear Sir or Madam,
As part of The Vision 2020-2023, FIFA is working hand in hand with its member associations to further accelerate the growth of women’s football on and off the pitch.
In order to measure the progress of women’s football around the world, by means of circular no. 1832 dated 31 January 2023 FIFA invited all member associations to complete a survey on their women’s football landscape and provide information across different areas.
As a result of this process, FIFA is pleased to share with you the enclosed FIFA Women’s Football Member Associations Survey Report 2023. By getting access to and analysing the data of women's football globally, FIFA, the confederations, the member associations and the football stakeholders will be more equipped to make informed decisions on how to further accelerate the growth of the women's game and achieve the goals set within the FIFA Women's Football Strategy launched in 2018.
If you have any questions regarding the report, please do not hesitate to contact Marina Radulovic of the Women’s Football Division at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We look forward to keep working with you to further accelerate the growth of women’s football all over the globe.
Yours faithfully,
FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE
DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Fatma Samoura
Secretary General
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced an exciting association, with Mastercard becoming a Global Partner for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to be held in India between 5 October and 19 November 2023.
Mastercard will continue its rich legacy of sports sponsorships to provide unique experiences to its cardholders and customers through exclusive benefits. With cricket being one of the most popular sports in India, South Asia and many other regions across the globe, the World Cup places fans at the centre of the action enabling them to experience the game like never before.
In addition to the exclusive 24-hour pre-sale window, Mastercard cardholders will be able to avail a number of benefits. These opportunities include the chance to meet cricket legends, get up close to the Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy and experience unique access on match days. Children of cardholders aged between 12-18 years will also have the chance to be a part of the flagbearer programme and there will be a wide range of offers for Mastercard cardholders on official ICC merchandise.
Mastercard's tie-up with the ICC highlights the brand's commitment to cricket and adds to the global technology company's prestigious international sports sponsorship portfolio which includes associations with the likes of UEFA Champions League and the PGA Tour.
ICC Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to announce Mastercard as a global partner for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the pinnacle event of the one-day game. Mastercard brings its rich experience of sports partnerships to the table, and the ICC is looking forward to collaborating with a renowned global brand to bring many benefits to cricket lovers around the world.”
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mastercard, Raja Rajamannar said: “Cricket is a huge passion for millions of people across the globe, particularly in India and South Asia. We are excited to partner with the ICC for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, allowing us to bring fans closer to their passion for the sport. We’re dedicated to connecting our customers, cardholders and all cricket enthusiasts to priceless possibilities throughout the tournament.”
Morecambe FC has received a three-point deduction to be suspended until 30 June 2024 after admitting a breach of EFL Regulations for failing to pay its player wages on or around 28 March 2023.
The Club’s ultimate beneficial owner will also be required to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the forecast monthly wage bill - for all staff across the football club - in a designated Club account, which may be called upon by the Club should there be any future delays in processing wage payments.
The suspended sanction will take effect if the payment is not made by the owners of the Club to the Club Deposit Account as per the terms of with the Agreed Decision or there is any failure to pay its players on time until 30 June 2024.
The sanction was imposed in accordance with the terms of an ‘Agreed Decision’ which has formally been ratified by an Independent Disciplinary Commission Chair as per the requirements of EFL Regulations.
Morecambe FC will also pay the associated costs of ratification of the Agreed Decision.
The Agreed Decision can be found here.
Published Friday, 18 August 2023.
Reading Football Club has today received a one-point deduction with a further three points suspended after an Independent Disciplinary Commission determined that the Club had breached EFL Regulations.
The breaches related to the Club having failed to pay its players’ wages on time and in full on or around 31 October 2022, 30 November 2022, and 28 April 2023.
Reading’s 2023/24 League One points tally will be adjusted immediately whilst Owner Dai Yongge has also been fined £10,000 and ordered to deposit an amount equal to 125% of the Club’s forecast monthly wage bill in a designated Club account, in an attempt to avoid further breaches.
If the 125% deposit is not paid within 28 days of the Independent Disciplinary Commission’s decision or there is any further failure to pay players’ salaries up until 30 June 2024, then the suspended points sanction will be activated.
The EFL remains extremely frustrated at the consistent failures of the Club’s ownership to meet its ongoing obligations under EFL Regulations, the consequences of which are having a negative impact for all those associated with Reading, particularly its staff members, supporters, and local community.
Whilst we acknowledge the independence of the commission and the sanction imposed, this outcome does fall some way short of the League’s existing sanctioning guidelines. The EFL will now undertake a full review of the decision issued, taking into consideration the recent previous sanctions imposed on the Club and their subsequent impact.
The Independent Disciplinary Commission’s Written Reasons can be viewed here.
Published Thursday, 03 August 2023.
Published Monday, 31 July 2023.
Published Friday, 28 July 2023.
