By Andrew Warshaw
September 5 – Manchester United chief executive David Gill admits he will have to put his club allegiances to one side to clinch a place on UEFA’s top table next year.
Gill (pictured above) is standing for election for a seat on UEFA’s Executive Committee, looking to replace fellow Englishman Geoff Thompson when the election is held among UEFA’s 53 members at the organisation’s Congress in London next May.
Eight seats on the 16-strong Executive Committee headed by UEFA President Michel Platini are up for grabs.
Gill believes his experience will stand him in good stead but that he would have to make some changes.
“I fully understand that I will be representing the FA [but] I believe given my experience of club football and the way the FA operates I can play a key part in ensuring England is heard at the top table in UEFA,” he told reporters including insideworldfootball.
“I have to make the case and explain why I think I could be a valuable member of that body.
“I fully understand the role and responsibility and who you are representing.”
Gill confirmed he would step down from the European Club Association (ECA), the body that represents all the main clubs throughout the continent, if elected but that the relationship between UEFA and the ECA was stronger than ever.
“I think you have seen a real sea change in UEFA over the last few years under Michel Platini’s Presidency and the change in the relationship between clubs and UEFA as evidenced by what they have done on insurance and pay for players on [international duty] so we are all moving in the same direction,” Gill said.
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