Membership is awarded per Membership Cycle, which lasts four seasons. At the start of each cycle, all members — except the founding clubs — must have played in their country’s top domestic division for at least one season within the current or previous four year cycle.
Our Story
European Football Clubs (EFC), formerly European Club Association, was founded in January 2008 to give clubs a united voice in shaping the future of the club game. The merger of the G-14 Group and the UEFA-backed European Club Forum brought together 137 clubs committed to leading change from inside the sport.
The founding members were Manchester United FC, Chelsea FC, Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan, Olympique Lyonnais, FC Bayern München, FC Porto, AFC Ajax, Rangers FC, RSC Anderlecht, Olympiacos FC, FC Kobenhavn, GNK Dinamo and Birkirkara FC — clubs that have helped define European football on and off the pitch.
Under Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi since 2021, EFC has grown to represent over 800 clubs across 55 countries and territories. We advocate for our clubs and their interests at the highest levels of the game and with expert guidance, shared knowledge and development programmes — helping them succeed in every area of the game. In 2025, European Football Clubs was launched as part of a dynamic rebrand to strengthen it's commitment to our members and highlight our growing influence on European and global club football. Clubs at the Heart of EFC
Football clubs are the life blood of the European game, and at EFC every member plays a vital role in shaping decisions. All 800+ members can vote for representatives to the EFC board and the other bodies that guide and shape our work, including EFC Working Groups.
Elevating the Women's Game
In March 2023, we updated our regulations to give women’s clubs a stronger voice. Two board members are elected solely by women’s clubs, alongside an observer seat, ensuring the women’s game is fully represented in EFC’s decision-making. How Our Board Works
The EFC Board makes the key decisions driving forward the organisation on behalf of all Member Clubs. The Board ensures that football and clubs are at the centre of everything we do, representing members’ interests, making sure their voices shape European club football.
The EFC Board has 38 members, including independents and observers, from multiple countries across the continent. It brings a wide range of perspectives to every decision — helping all clubs succeed on and off the pitch. Find our more about our Board Members here. Want to learn more? You can read our latest statutes here. EFC Membership Benefits Unlock Your Club’s Potential with EFC Membership Membership opens doors to benefits designed to elevate your club’s stature, performance and influence across European club football.
Influence Decisions
Make your club’s voice heard. Take part in the renowned EFC General Assembly, stand for election to the Board and contribute to strategic decisions that affect football across the continent. Share your expertise through committees and access tailored guidance in legal, financial, commercial and sporting matters — strengthening your club on and off the pitch.
Learn & Connect
Keep pace with a fast-changing football landscape through world-class education programmes, research and personalised support. Build connections, share best practice and seize opportunities that grow your club’s influence internationally.
Achieve More with EFC
Joining EFC puts your club at the heart of European and international club football decision-making. Through strategic influence, expert support and a unique network of clubs, EFC helps you strengthen performance on and off the pitch and reach your full potential.
Contact our membership team today to explore becoming a EFC Member please e-mail members@efcfootball.com to find out more.