Villa, Sevilla and 38 others join Union of European clubs (UEC) as more consider signing up

The Union of European clubs (UEC) was officially launched in Brussels yesterday, and 40 clubs were in attendance.

According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, 25 countries were represented at the event.

Many clubs from other countries are still considering whether to officially sign up to join the UEC.

Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and Watford have joined from England.

Spanish clubs Sevilla, Real Betis, Espanyol, Osasuna, Levante and Valencia have also signed up.

La Liga president Javier Tebas attended the launch.

He wants aspirational clubs to organise to rebalance the representation of clubs.

The UEC represents small and medium size clubs, with the European Club Association (ECA) dominated by the bigger teams.

THE ECA only gives a voice to less than 5% of clubs on the continent.

130 clubs are currently granted voting rights in the governance of European club football.

Over 1,400 clubs do not vote due to their size and league, and they have to adapt to the changes forced on them by the big boys.

UEC is offering a ‘one club, one vote’ membership, and it is not surprising to see teams turning up to join.

The backing of La Liga is going to go a long way, and it appears the ECA feels threatened.

ECA president Nasser Al-Khelaifi met with UEC founders before its launch in an informal meeting.

However, the Paris Saint-Germain president could not convince them to ditch their plans.