The European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) formed as there was a clear need for an organisation to represent the views of leagues and clubs on areas of mutual interest and concern both on and off the pitch. The sporting and political climate of Europe is undergoing a great deal of change and inevitably that produces challenges to all those involved.
The formal constituting of the EPFL heralded a new era in organisation and communication between the leagues; giving a forum and a platform for members to decide how best to deal with the questions that we face in the modern world of sport and business and then assert our common position.
The EPFL is committed to using its power and influence to benefit the interests of all its member leagues and clubs, regardless of size, to ensure their continued success and development be they sporting, business or political in output.
The EPFL has formed relationships with the football family, FIFA and UEFA, and European Union institutions in order to ensure that its purpose is understood and heard. These contacts are critical as the EPFL seeks to communicate the interests of its members and the purpose of the organisation. It is important too that relations with National Associations are professional and effective. The EPFL respects footballing structures where they have proved practical and efficient.
In addition to external relations the EPFL is committed to fostering greater debate, understanding and communication between member leagues. It is critical to the progress and improvement of the European game that the leagues develop a sense of common purpose and unity. The EPFL seeks to embody that solidarity.
Football today recognises its responsibilities beyond the field of play – in terms of youth development, community relations and social dialogue – and the EPFL is dedicated to using the power and reach of its members brands and appeal to good effect in this context.
What is certain is that the EPFL will continue to grow and evolve to pursue an agenda that it fundamentally believes to benefit not only its member Leagues, but also the wider European football community; from the fans and the players through to club executives and the game’s administrators.
Sir David Richards
Chairman
