Rabat – European Football Clubs chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi proposed creating an international organization on Tuesday to give clubs worldwide a unified voice.
According to Reuters, the Paris Saint-Germain president also appeared to take an indirect swipe at FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, stressing that governance of the global game should not be concentrated in the hands of a single governing body.
By creating a “World Football Clubs” body, Al-Khelaifi envisions a fundamental shift in international governance, establishing a seventh global pillar to rival the six regional confederations.
Unlike the six confederations, which represent national associations, this new entity would serve as a collective lobbying force solely focused on club interests.
Al-Khelaifi provided few operational details, leaving unclear the group’s legal framework, leadership structure, membership criteria, or rollout timeline.
He also left open the question of what official jurisdictional authority or voting power the entity would demand from FIFA.
Speaking at the EFC General Assembly in Copenhagen, Al-Khelaifi pointed to the organization’s expanding reach: “EFC has become a global network and platform for clubs to connect to anyone.”
“We create benefits for clubs inside and outside of Europe,” Al-Khelaifi said.
“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,” he added.
The proposal rests on the premise that modern football clubs have outgrown regional borders.
Al-Khelaifi said global fans, sponsors, and international talent have helped turn clubs into global brands, allowing supporters around the world to remain connected to their teams.
Al-Khelaifi takes subtle swipe at Infantino
In Copenhagen, Al-Khelaifi also criticized what he described as problems in football’s current decision-making structure without naming Infantino directly.
Addressing the tensions surrounding the sport’s decision-making, the EFC chief admitted the sport works best when its leaders cooperate openly.”It is really sad to see the situation today,” Al-Khelaifi said.
“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,” he added.
Throughout his remarks, Al-Khelaifi contrasted those tensions with EFC’s relationship with UEFA, which he described as the association’s “most important and trusted partner.”
As discussions continue following the Copenhagen assembly, it remains to be seen how football stakeholders and global governing bodies will respond to the proposal.
