September 8 – All clubs in the Champions League and Europa League are to make a donation to support the thousands of migrants fleeing war-torn countries for Europe. The European Club Association announced today that 80 clubs have agreed to give €1 for every ticket sold during their first home games in the group stages of the two competitions.
The idea was first proposed by Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa (pictured) who wrote in a letter to UEFA president Michel Platini that “it is impossible to close our eyes to the drama of the migrants and refugees.”
Announcing the pledge, ECA chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told a press conference following the orgaisation’s annual assembly in Geneva: “This is a serious and big problem we have to face now in Europe and I believe football has a kind responsibility for these poor people.”
Rummenigge says up to €3 million (£2.18 million) could be raised, with other members invited to contribute.
Last week, Bayern Munich announced they would be hosting a refugee ‘training camp’, offering food, German language lessons and football equipment. Real Madrid and Celtic are among the other clubs to have already promised support.
“We will find a concrete action plan and formally invest this money in the best help possible in favour of the refugees,” added Rummenigge. “It is a sign that this body is unique, united, and we are happy that the whole general assembly unanimously accepted these proposals.”
Milan’s Umberto Gandini, ECA’s first vice-president, said project was not exclusive to clubs playing in Europe. “The opportunity to participate in this programme was also given to other clubs who can decide by applying the same system or devising other ways to donate some amounts,” said the AC Milan director.
Meanwhile, Rummenigge and Juventus boss Andrea Agnelli are set to join the UEFA executive committee. The ECA has nominated the pair to fill the two seats offered by UEFA in a move to expand their inner circle to other stakeholders, and will attend their first executive committee meeting on September 17 in Malta.
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