G14, the group of elite European clubs, is to be disbanded and the
organisation will withdraw their court claims against FIFA in what has
been hailed as “an historic day for football”.

The announcement follows a summit meeting between the clubs, FIFA and
UEFA in Zurich that will lead to the formation of a new European Club
Association that will be formally recognised by the ruling powers.

G14 – made up of 18 clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool and
Arsenal - has been a thorn in the side of the world and European
governing bodies for a decade, threatening breakaway super leagues and
taking legal action after players were injured on international duty.

The clubs, FIFA and UEFA have signed a letter of intent for moves
which will see G14 dissolved and the court claims withdrawn. For their
part, UEFA and FIFA will make financial contributions for players’
participation in European Championships and World Cups.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: “Something very special has happened
today.

“The clubs, which are the basic cells of our game and fundamental to
its thriving, are at last to become a part of the pyramidal football
organisation.”


UEFA president Michel Platini added: “The demands of the clubs to be
heard and to be associated, also financially, are well-founded. The
letter of intent signed today is not a political step, but a logical
one.”

Speaking on behalf of the clubs, Barcelona president Joan Laporta
praised the outcome of the meeting.

He said: “Friendship and confidence is the basis for our game. I
compliment the UEFA president on having implemented the change he
promised when he came to office. It is a victory for all.”

At the next meeting of the European Club Forum on January 21, UEFA
will propose to the European clubs the intention to create a new body
to represent their interests at European level.

This new club body – to be known as the European Club Association –
will consist of more than 100 clubs across Europe, including
representatives from every one of the 53 national associations of
UEFA. The new body will be independent but recognised by UEFA.

The meeting in Zurich included David Gill, Peter Kenyon and Martin
Bain, the chief executives of Manchester United, Chelsea and Rangers
respectively.

Mad Max wrote:
> G14, the group of elite European clubs, is to be disbanded and the
> organisation will withdraw their court claims against FIFA in what has
> been hailed as “an historic day for football”.
> 
> The announcement follows a summit meeting between the clubs, FIFA and
> UEFA in Zurich that will lead to the formation of a new European Club
> Association that will be formally recognised by the ruling powers.
> 
> G14 – made up of 18 clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool and
> Arsenal - has been a thorn in the side of the world and European
> governing bodies for a decade, threatening breakaway super leagues and
> taking legal action after players were injured on international duty.
> 
> The clubs, FIFA and UEFA have signed a letter of intent for moves
> which will see G14 dissolved and the court claims withdrawn. For their
> part, UEFA and FIFA will make financial contributions for players’
> participation in European Championships and World Cups.
> 
> FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: “Something very special has happened
> today.
> 
> “The clubs, which are the basic cells of our game and fundamental to
> its thriving, are at last to become a part of the pyramidal football
> organisation.”
> 
> 
> UEFA president Michel Platini added: “The demands of the clubs to be
> heard and to be associated, also financially, are well-founded. The
> letter of intent signed today is not a political step, but a logical
> one.”
> 
> Speaking on behalf of the clubs, Barcelona president Joan Laporta
> praised the outcome of the meeting.
> 
> He said: “Friendship and confidence is the basis for our game. I
> compliment the UEFA president on having implemented the change he
> promised when he came to office. It is a victory for all.”
> 
> At the next meeting of the European Club Forum on January 21, UEFA
> will propose to the European clubs the intention to create a new body
> to represent their interests at European level.
> 
> This new club body – to be known as the European Club Association –
> will consist of more than 100 clubs across Europe, including
> representatives from every one of the 53 national associations of
> UEFA. The new body will be independent but recognised by UEFA.
> 
> The meeting in Zurich included David Gill, Peter Kenyon and Martin
> Bain, the chief executives of Manchester United, Chelsea and Rangers
> respectively.

I think the impact this will have is underestimated. Much less voice for 
the big guy, and more for the small guy. One can hope anyway.