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Refugee crisis: Champions League and Europa League clubs pledge €1 from every ticket to charities

The promise could raise over £2m for those fleeing war-torn countries

Mark Critchley
Tuesday 08 September 2015 14:51 BST
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Barcelona v Juventus in the Champions League final
Barcelona v Juventus in the Champions League final (Getty Images)

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Europe's top football clubs have pledged to donate millions to the charities supporting refugees trying to enter the continent.

The European Club Association, which represents the interests of football clubs in Uefa, said its members have agreed to give €1 for every ticket sold during this month's Champions League and Europa League matches.

The idea was first suggested by FC Porto's president in a letter addressed to Uefa chief Michel Platini.

In the proposal, Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa claimed that "it is impossible to close our eyes to the drama of the migrants and refugees."

The promise from the ECA commits 80 clubs to donate money from its first home match in the group stages of both competitions.

Announcing the pledge, ECA chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "This is a serious and big problem we have to face now in Europe and I believe football has a kind responsibility for these poor people."

Rummenigge says up to €3m (£2.18m) could be raised, with other members invited to contribute.

Additional reporting by AP

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