Al-Khelaifi proposes global clubs body amid FIFA tensions

European Football Clubs (EFC) have launched a feasibility study into establishing World Football Clubs, a proposed organisation that would give clubs outside Europe a collective voice in international football governance.The initiative was announced at EFC’s 33rd General Assembly in Copenhagen, where members also unanimously approved governance reforms after the organisation’s membership reached 920 clubs across 55 countries and territories.EFC chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: “Our clubs today are also more global and more international than ever, whilst still being part of the fabric of their local communities.“Our players, our coaches, our competitions, our fans, our owners, our partners, our footprints, our brands…they all have local roots but global impact.”The proposed body would extend EFC’s representative model beyond Europe, with the feasibility study responding to growing interest from non-European clubs.Al-Khelaifi continued: “EFC has become a global network and platform for clubs to connect to anyone. We create benefits for clubs inside and outside of Europe.“That is why now is the time to create World Football Clubs. Because every club around the world deserves to be represented; to have a voice, and a better chance to succeed.”His intervention comes amid tensions over FIFA’s governance and its abandoned proposal to bring private investment into a business holding commercial rights and other assets, with European leagues and other stakeholders demanding a greater role in decisions affecting football.Without naming FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Al-Khelaifi criticised the disputes occupying football’s leadership and argued that cooperation depended on transparency and honesty.He warned: “It is really sad to see the situation today. Instead of improving our game, we are wasting our time dealing with problems and issues.“Football works when we listen to each other. When we are transparent between us. But most of all, when we are honest. And whatever our differences – football is bigger and more important than any one of us.”Al-Khelaifi pointed to the contribution of European clubs to the 2026 World Cup, saying they employed 857 participating players, almost 70% of the tournament’s total.EFC’s announcement also highlighted existing arrangements benefiting clubs worldwide, including a $355m FIFA Club Benefits Programme and a $250m solidarity fund for clubs that did not participate in the 2025 Club World Cup.Within Europe, the approved reforms provide for a restructured 33-member board with voting rights for every representative, at least five and potentially seven seats reserved for Associated Member Clubs, and provisions strengthening female representation.All members will become eligible to represent EFC on UEFA and FIFA committees, while a new Medical and Performance Working Group will bring clubs into discussions about player health and related policies.Al-Khelaifi explained: “It will mean that every member – Ordinary and Associated; small, medium and large – will have a direct say on every major decision of EFC.“We will be more democratic than ever – across our Board, Working Groups and Committees – but without losing our effectiveness, our balance.”The reforms take effect on October 1, with the new board provisions applying from the start of the 2027–2031 cycle.Al-Khelaifi contrasted the wider governance tensions with EFC’s relationship with UEFA, saying their UC3 joint venture would generate more than €20bn over the next four-year cycle, including around €2bn for clubs outside European competitions and youth and women’s football.He added: “When UEFA and the clubs work hand in hand, football wins. Any issue, any problem – we deal with them face to face. Sometimes UEFA is not happy with the clubs. Sometimes the clubs are not happy with UEFA. But we find solutions.”The chairman also welcomed Barcelona’s return to EFC, confirmed that Real Madrid were in the process of returning, and urged UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin to seek another term.The global proposal remains at the feasibility stage, but it places broader club representation alongside internal reform as EFC seek greater influence over football’s international direction.