According to Reuters, at the European Football Clubs (EFC) General Assembly in Copenhagen on September 29, Chairman Nasser announced plans to establish a new global organization to represent clubs worldwide, while implicitly criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino without naming him.

The proposed "World Football Clubs" organization aims to provide a global, institutionalized voice for clubs. In effect, it would make clubs the seventh major component of world football, alongside the six continental confederations, but its representation would be for clubs, not national associations.

Nasser did not specify the organization's formal structure, governance framework, membership criteria, or timeline for establishment, nor did he clarify what powers it might seek within FIFA.

Nasser stated: "The EFC has become a global network and platform that allows clubs to connect with anyone."

He added: "We are creating benefits for clubs both inside and outside Europe." He noted that of the 48 teams participating in this year's World Cup, 857 players came from European clubs, accounting for nearly 70% of all participating players in the tournament.

"That's why now is the time to establish 'World Football Clubs.' Because every club around the world deserves representation, a voice, and a greater chance for success."

Nasser stated that clubs are becoming increasingly global through players, coaches, owners, business partners, brands, and fan bases, while still remaining rooted in their local communities. He believes that fans today can follow their teams from Copenhagen to Cairo, and from New York to Tokyo.

This announcement represents the clearest signal yet that the EFC intends to expand its model from Europe to a global scale.

The EFC, formerly the European Club Association, has grown rapidly in recent years. Nasser said that membership has increased from 247 clubs in 2021 to over 900 across 55 countries today, with plans to reach 1,000.

Barcelona returns, Real Madrid to rejoin EFC

Nasser also announced that Barcelona has rejoined the organization and stated that Real Madrid "is in the process of returning." He cited these two developments as evidence of major European clubs uniting around a single representative body.

A Real Madrid source described the club's planned return to the EFC as a "gesture of goodwill." If it materializes, this would signify a further easing of tensions between Real Madrid, UEFA, and the EFC, following long-standing conflicts over the European Super League project.

In February, the three parties reached an agreement in principle that would also resolve legal disputes related to the Super League project.

Nasser also said that proposed governance reforms would allow every EFC member club to directly participate in major decisions, and permit all members to represent the EFC on UEFA, FIFA, and other committees, while ensuring female representation across all committee structures.

The proposal to establish a global club organization comes amid tensions among various stakeholders in international football regarding the balance of power between FIFA, continental confederations, leagues, clubs, and other interested parties.

Nasser used his speech to deliver a seemingly pointed message to Infantino, without directly naming the FIFA president.

Nasser said: "It is truly regrettable to see the current situation. We are not improving the sport; instead, we are wasting time dealing with various problems and disputes. Football can only function properly when we listen to each other. It can only function properly when we are transparent with each other. But most importantly, we must be honest."

Nasser repeatedly contrasted these tensions with the relationship between the EFC and UEFA. He referred to UEFA as the EFC's "most important and trusted partner."

He stated that the joint venture UC3, formed by the EFC and UEFA, is expected to generate over 20 billion euros (approximately 23.5 billion US dollars) in revenue over the next four-year cycle, equating to more than 5 billion euros per season.

According to him, approximately 2 billion euros of this will be allocated to clubs not participating in European competitions, as well as youth development and women's football programs. From 2020 to 2024, 233 million euros have already been distributed to 901 clubs to compensate them for players called up for UEFA national team competitions.

"When UEFA and clubs work hand-in-hand, football benefits," Nasser said. He added that disagreements between UEFA and clubs are handled "face-to-face" and ultimately resolved.

Subsequently, he gave explicit support to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, calling for his re-election next year.

Nasser said: "Football needs great leaders like you. On behalf of the 900-plus clubs in the EFC, I ask you to run for president again next year."

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