The Association of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) celebrated the 3rd Anniversary of its Constitution during a Gala Dinner, held at the Centenary Museum of the Chelsea FC, last Tuesday 7 October 2008.
The Chairmen and Chief Executives of the EPFL Members and Associate Members, as well as a number of other distinguished guests from the international political and sporting sphere joined the Association in this celebration. Amongst them, were high representatives of FIFA, UEFA, as well as the European Commission and European Parliament.
Major Professional Football Leagues coming from all over the World, including the Major League of Soccer and the United Soccer League from the USA, the South African PSL, the Australian League, the Brazilian “Clube Dos 13”, as well as Professional Leagues from Costa Rica, Georgia, Romania and Croatia amongst others, were also present together to homage to the EPFL during its Anniversary.
During the event the EPFL rendered a heartfelt tribute to its 28 Members and Associate Members in recognition of the relevant services dedicated to the Association and Professional Football in Europe. A special award was also conferred to distinguished personalities of the European political sphere for their outstanding contribution to the progress and development of Professional Football and co-operation with the EPFL.
European Commissioner Jan Figel’, in charge of Sport, was awarded with the EPFL golden globe in recognition of the creation and approval of the European Commission’s White Paper of Sport. While
European Commissioner Vladimír Špidla, in charge of Employment and Social Affairs, was awarded for the launch of the European Social Dialogue in Professional Football sector and the recognition of the EPFL as major employers’ representative.
Within the same context, Members of European Parliament Manolis Mavrommatis and Ivo Belet received an EPFL Special Award for their constant co-operation with the EPFL and support to its causes, respectively as rapporteur of the European Parliament’s same context, Members of European Parliament Manolis Mavrommatis and Ivo Belet received an EPFL Special Award for their constant co-operation with the EPFL and support to its causes, respectively as rapporteur of the European Parliament’s
