UEFA has launched a new Fans’ Council aimed at giving supporters a formal voice in key decisions around competition rules, scheduling, and matchday experiences. The initiative marks a significant shift toward fan inclusion in European football governance, reflecting growing calls from supporter groups for greater transparency and influence.
Fans’ Voices at the Heart of Decision-Making
The Fans’ Council will consist of representatives from fan organisations across UEFA’s 55 member associations, including advocates from major leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga. Council members will meet regularly with UEFA officials to review proposals affecting competition formats, scheduling windows, disciplinary procedures, and ticketing policies.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said the move underscores a commitment to understanding and respecting supporter interests.
“Football belongs to the fans, and their insights are vital to shaping the future of our competitions,” Čeferin said at the launch event. “The Fans’ Council will ensure their voices are heard at every level of UEFA decision-making.”
Supporters’ groups reacted positively to the announcement, describing it as a step toward bridging the gap between governing bodies and the fanbase.
Early Priorities: Scheduling and Fair Play
One of the first areas the Fans’ Council will address is competition scheduling — particularly the balance between domestic league fixtures and UEFA club tournaments. With fixture congestion and player welfare high on the agenda, fans have frequently expressed frustration with late-night kick-offs and midweek travel demands.
The council will also explore fan feedback on rule changes such as substitution limits, VAR transparency, and uniformity of officiating standards across competitions.
Representatives from supporter groups, including Liverpool FC’s Spirit of Shankly and Real Madrid’s Peñas, spoke at the launch, emphasising the importance of collaborative dialogue.
As UEFA implements this new framework, many in the football community see it as a meaningful attempt to enhance engagement and ensure that supporter perspectives help shape the game’s evolution at the highest level.
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