Miscellaneous
Europe is currently facing the biggest refugee crisis since the Second World War.
We, the European clubs, understand that our work goes well beyond what we achieve on the pitch and are naturally committed to engaging in social causes and giving back to society. As important stakeholders within society, we cannot close our eyes to the dramatic scenes currently taking place throughout Europe.
As a result, at the 15th ECA General Assembly held in Geneva on 8 September 2015, the ECA Executive Board decided to take action in support of the refugee crisis and help the many people that are in need. The Executive Board's plea was endorsed by the present member clubs.
Based on an initial idea launched by ECA Member Club FC Porto, the European Club Association asks each participant of the 2015/16 UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League Group Stage to donate 1 EURO for each ticket sold during their first European home match. The match days concerned take place on 15-17 September (match day 1) and on 29 September-1 October 2015 (match day 2). The initiative will run under the motto "90 MINUTES FOR HOPE".
The donations will be transferred to one (or more) experienced and respected organisation(s) with excellent track-record and on-field operations across Europe to help the refugees in these critical times. A decision on which organisation(s) will receive the funds is yet to be taken and will be communicated in due course.
Some clubs have already taken some tremendous steps on an individual basis, which we can only welcome. Nevertheless, we call on every club's contribution to show our unity and our solidarity with the refugees and society as a whole. Needless to say, any club can contribute to the initiative, regardless whether it participates in European competition or not.
Clubs interested in contributing to the initiative are invited to contact the ECA Administration at admin@ecaeurope.com for more details.
Let's be united for the refugees!