Three Premier League teams are eyeing to join the Union of European Clubs (UEC) which is backed by La Liga president Javier Tebas as per reports. The La Liga boss is supporting the union and has reportedly met with its founders.
The new Union of European Clubs (UEC) is set to launch in Brussels with support from Javier Tebas. UEC hopes to create an organisation which represents all men's and women's clubs focusing on those from smaller or mid-sized leagues. Further reports add the board will be offering a 'one club, one vote' membership.
As revealed by football insider Ben Jacobs, at least three Premier League clubs are considering joining. With the launch, UEC may consider formally announcing its members, but draft plans and a roadmap for membership. From the EPL, Crystal Palace is supporting it and teams like Aston Villa and Brighton have also expressed interest.
Ben Jacobs further adds Javier Tebas will not be the founder or run the UEC. But he will be extending his support. This UEC project is driven by Dennis Gudasic (Lokomotiva Zagreb) and lawyers Katarina Pijetlovic and Gareth Farrelly (ex-Ireland international).
UEC will avoid being a part of the 'fight' between Tebas and Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who have a long-standing conflict. Tebas and LaLiga didn't come up with the idea, but after meeting the founders a few months ago they are firmly supporting it. Further, this organisation will not position itself as a threat or rival to the European Club Association.
But the ECA doesn't recognise their legitimacy as the ECA chair Nasser Al-Khelaifi, made it clear. While speaking about the Union of European Club (UEC)’s launch in April, Al-Khelaifi said, "I’ve barely heard of them. Are they the next A22 [promoters of the ESL]? The ECA is the sole representative body of clubs in Europe, recognised by FIFA, UEFA & all other stakeholders.”
