PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi replaces Juventus’ Andrea Agnelli as ECA chairman

Al-Khelaifi takes charge after Agnelli quit on Sunday amid the Super League chaos

Rohith Nair
Wednesday 21 April 2021 21:49 BST
Comments
Al-Khelaifi is the new ECA chairman
Al-Khelaifi is the new ECA chairman (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been elected chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), the body said on Wednesday, replacing Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli who quit on Sunday.

Agnelli resigned after Juventus joined 11 other clubs from England, Spain and Italy in forming a breakaway Super League which collapsed on Wednesday as eight founding members abandoned the project following massive criticism.

The ECA represents over 200 clubs from 55 UEFA member associations and was created with the purpose of helping them safeguard their interests in European club football.

"I am honoured and humbled to have been appointed by my fellow ECA Executive Board Members as chairman," Qatari Al-Khelaifi said in a statement.

"The leadership, integrity and togetherness of our organisation has never been more required than at this pivotal moment in European football.

"I, alongside all my fellow ECA board members and clubs, am looking to reinforce ECA in its role as the legitimate and singular voice of Europe's clubs."

Earlier this week, the 12 clubs involved in the formation of the Super League quit their positions with the ECA.

The ECA said it welcomed the decision made by the majority of the clubs in not pursuing the breakaway project.

"ECA firmly believes this project could not succeed because football, at its core, is based on openness, sporting excellence and an inherent connection between everyone across the football family," it said.

"Football is for everybody. Recent events have been a reminder that club owners are merely custodians of their clubs, which are historic beacons that mean so much to fans and their communities."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in