During the General Assembly of the European Football Clubs (EFC), a body replacing the former ECA, Inter Milan`s president, Beppe Marotta, was successfully elected to its Executive Board. Marotta expressed his deep satisfaction with this new role, emphasizing the importance of representing a prominent club like Inter within a significant European context. He stated, “Representing an important club in a context where Inter plays a relevant role is undoubtedly a great source of satisfaction. I believe Italian football is a crucial component of European football, and there needs to be greater dialogue because there is now a natural and physiological symbiosis between Europe and Italy. This must lead to the safeguarding of our sport, which we must defend from all perspectives.”
Barcelona`s Return to the EFC
Marotta also highlighted the return of Barcelona to the EFC, noting that the Catalan club had been absent since the Super League controversy. He remarked on their re-entry: “It`s a spontaneous act; Barcelona holds a very positive sentiment towards the organization. We welcomed this return with great enthusiasm; it is important to have Barça within this body.”
Al Khelaifi`s Vision and Friedkin`s Recognition
Joining the discussion, PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi took the opportunity to publicly thank Dan Friedkin, president of AS Roma, for his exceptional work. Al Khelaifi articulated a shared vision for football`s future: “We are here for the good of football, focusing on how to further develop our sport, foster youth sectors in collaboration with UEFA and FIFA, without fearing change. I want to thank the UEFA president for being here and for safeguarding the interests of European clubs, as well as the FIFA president. We are European clubs, but we have fans worldwide, and we must consider our global fanbase. This is why we have adjusted the Champions League timings, also targeting the Asian market. We must think globally, including in marketing and player scouting.”
He further elaborated on the role of technology: “FIFA integrated referee cameras at the World Cup; the use of technology is fundamental for protecting players` health and identifying talent. We must push ourselves to do more, and we will. I especially want to thank Dan Friedkin; he and his team did an extraordinary job. I can proudly say this was the best General Assembly in our history, and it would not have been so without their work. I have met many people in football, but Dan is one of the most elegant individuals I have ever encountered.”
