European clubs gather in Copenhagen amid multiple crises

European clubs are gathering amid a stormy atmosphere. The EFC, the association now bringing together more than 800 clubs from across the continent, will hold its annual congress in Copenhagen tomorrow with several pressing issues on the agenda, led by its dispute with FIFA and the City case.

The sanction imposed on City by the Premier adds to the confrontation between UEFA and FIFA. Clubs must in particular define their position on the FIFA Forward Enterprise project. From the outset, the EFC chaired by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi stated that football does not belong to FIFA and cannot be sold, formally denouncing an approach that its president would have sought to carry out unilaterally.

Aleksander Ceferin will attend the congress, with the EFC having so far always managed to find common ground with European football’s governing body. A FIFA delegation will also be present, as usual, but Gianni Infantino is not expected to attend unless there is a surprise. His attendance remained possible, but looks increasingly unlikely as he has yet to confirm. Having attended last year’s edition in Rome, he is expected to delegate to another representative this time while conducting his election campaign, marked by numerous trips.

European clubs still need to reach an agreement with FIFA. They are also seeking outstanding amounts from the solidarity fund for the first edition held in the United States. At the same time, the EFC has reached a joint agreement with UEFA to market the rights to European competitions through the company UC3.

The congress could also see Joan Laporta attend, now as a full member. Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and Aleksander Ceferin had stood together against the now abandoned Super League project. The Barcelona president had already attended the 2025 edition in Rome, where peace with Barça was publicly displayed, and could this time attend officially.

Real Madrid, for its part, operates independently from the EFC. The club reached an agreement with UEFA to leave the Super League project in exchange for further reforms to the new Champions League format, but no Madrid representative will travel to Copenhagen.

Representatives of Spanish clubs that are EFC members will be in attendance, led by Miguel Ángel Gil, both a leading Atlético figure and an executive member of the association. The City case is also expected to stir debate: the EFC does not yet want to adopt a firm position because there is no official element from the Premier, while an announcement from an independent body currently concerns the Citizens’ infringements. City representatives will be present, as at every assembly, but no official stance on the matter is expected in speeches by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi or Aleksander Ceferin.

Finally, the EFC will address its governance. With more than 100 members, it aims to improve its representation, adapt to its growth and become more inclusive.