As the football world slows down for summer, we’ve kept driving momentum at the European Club Association (ECA). From breakthrough wins in the women’s game to the next generation of leadership stepping up, it’s been a month of milestones for our Member Clubs and the wider football world. Let’s break it all down.
A Record Payout for the Women’s EURO 2025
July ended with a game-changing announcement for women’s football that puts our Member Clubs front and centre in international football.
In partnership with UEFA, we secured a record €9 million in club benefits for the release of players to national teams during UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 in Switzerland. Originally set at €6 million, the figure was increased following our proposal, securing an additional €3 million to help level the playing field.
It’s a landmark step forward, and a clear signal of our commitment to grow the women’s game. This payment will ensure that our clubs are properly rewarded for developing the players who make these tournaments possible.
Amazon Doubles Down on Women’s Football
More positive momentum for the women’s game came through UC3, our joint venture with UEFA , which confirmed Amazon will extend its partnership with UEFA Women’s Football until 2030.
This renewed deal means the retail powerhouse will continue supporting top-tier competitions including the UEFA Women’s Champions League and UEFA Women’s EURO 2029, which will boost visibility through bigger coverage, richer storytelling and a stronger platform for the game to thrive.
ECA Clubs Shine on the Global Stage
From Europe to the USA, our Member Clubs made a major statement at the FIFA Club World Cup. Chelsea lifted the trophy with a commanding 3-0 win over UEFA Champions League holders PSG – a performance capped by a Cole Palmer brace at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey that underlined the quality of our clubs on the world stage.
But the impact went far beyond the pitch. We worked hand-in-hand with FIFA and our 11 participating Member Clubs to help shape a tournament that delivers lasting value for the wider ecosystem.
One of the most significant outcomes? A $250 million fund has been set aside for non-participating clubs. This bold move will support infrastructure, talent development and the club game in every corner of the globe.
Developing Future Leaders Through CTMP
This month we highlighted the career of Margarida Batlle Y Font, Head of Women’s Football at Sporting Clube de Portugal. Batlle Y Font, shared how ECA Club Talent & Mentoring Programme (CTMP) has helped shape her leadership approach, broaden her network and sharpen her long-term vision for the women’s game.
Her story is just one example of how CTMP is building the next generation of club leaders, with the confidence and tools to lead football forward.
ECA at the Forefront of Global Sustainability Governance
We are proud to announce that our Head of Sustainability, Dr Gaia Pretner, has been appointed Co-Chair of the AccountAbility AA1000SES v3 Working Group – an international initiative shaping how organisations engage stakeholders to build inclusive, future-proof sustainability strategies.
Gaia’s appointment reflects ECA’s growing influence in global ESG conversations, and our commitment to strong governance and a sustainable future for club football at every level.