The Union of European Clubs (UEC) has officially announced that the upcoming UEC Football Forum 2025 has been postponed to November 18, 2025, following widespread transport disruptions in Belgium due to a national strike.
Originally scheduled to take place in Brussels next week, the forum serves as one of the most influential gatherings in European football’s governance calendar bringing together executives, club owners, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the game’s future structure and reforms.
Why the Delay Was Necessary
According to an official statement released by the UEC on Friday, the postponement was deemed necessary to ensure the safe arrival and full participation of delegates from across Europe.
“Due to the national strike and anticipated travel disruptions, the Union of European Clubs has decided to reschedule the Football Forum to 18 November 2025. The decision prioritizes the well-being and accessibility of our members and guests,” the organization confirmed.
The statement also emphasized that the agenda and venue will remain unchanged, with the event still being held in Brussels, Belgium.
What to Expect from the 2025 UEC Forum
This year’s UEC Football Forum is expected to cover a range of topics central to European football’s development and governance, including:
- The future of club licensing and financial sustainability.
- Player welfare and the evolving global match calendar.
- The role of non-elite clubs in UEFA’s competition reforms.
- Digital transformation and fan engagement in modern football.
- Strengthening collaboration between European leagues and governing bodies.
UEC Managing Director Jakob Kornbeck noted that the forum’s delay will not impact its strategic objectives:
“This forum is a platform for dialogue and progress. The postponement is purely logistical our mission to strengthen European club representation remains unchanged.”
Why the Forum Matters
The UEC Football Forum has become a vital meeting point for clubs outside the elite “Super League” tier, giving smaller and mid-level European teams a collective voice in governance discussions often dominated by UEFA’s biggest members.
Analysts expect this year’s forum to highlight growing concerns about financial disparity, scheduling pressures, and player fatigue particularly following the expansion of UEFA competitions.
Reactions from Across Europe
Club executives across the continent have largely welcomed the UEC’s decision to prioritize safety and inclusivity.
FC Utrecht CEO Thijs van Es commented:
“We understand the situation in Belgium and support the UEC’s decision. These discussions are vital to the sport’s future, and everyone should have the opportunity to participate.”
Meanwhile, representatives from Scandinavian and Eastern European clubs emphasized the importance of keeping the forum accessible to smaller clubs that rely heavily on such events for networking and influence.
Looking Ahead
The rescheduled forum on November 18, 2025, is expected to draw over 300 delegates from across Europe’s footballing landscape. Organizers have confirmed that keynote speakers from UEFA, FIFPRO, and top-tier clubs will still headline the event.
As European football faces mounting pressure to modernize its governance and financial systems, the UEC Football Forum remains a crucial stage for shaping the sport’s next chapter one that promises a more inclusive, sustainable, and balanced future for all clubs.
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