Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi (second left) with ECA Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (left), First Vice-Chairman Umberto Gandini (second right) and Second Vice-Chairman Sandro Rosell at the Qatar 2022 Legacy Pavilion.
Doha: Qatar Football Association (QFA) President H E Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani opened the plenary session of the European Club Association’s (ECA) 10th General Assembly yesterday.
Representatives from 153 member clubs are taking part in the assembly to learn more about the Qatar 2022 Project.
ECA is the first European football stakeholder to officially visit Qatar to get a better understanding of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
“The clubs have a responsibility towards their players, therefore, ECA was happy to accept this invitation. It is important to get a first impression which is based on personal experience and not driven by third parties,” ECA Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said. Member clubs are offered the opportunity to visit the Qatar 2022 Legacy Pavilion, which presents the world cup project in detail.
The gathering in Doha coincides with the association’s fifth anniversary. During its short existence, ECA has achieved significant progress with regard to European club football and developed constructive relationships with fellow stakeholders within the European football family, otably UEFA.
This is highlighted by last year’s signing of a memorandum of understanding between ECA and UEFA.
In his address to member clubs, Rummenigge congratulated everyone for the successful path the organisation has taken.
“When I look back at our history and at what we have achieved, I find it difficult to believe that we have only been around for five years. ECA’s development is remarkable, but we should not rest on our laurels as there are still challenges lying ahead of us. I thank everyone, inside and outside ECA, for the commitment, respect and trust they have shown our organisation.”
The two-day event concludes today with a workshop for non-European clubs. For the first time, and in response to positive feedback from clubs around the world following ECA’s achievements, ECA has decided to share its experience with clubs from other confederations.
The Peninsula
