The Union of European Clubs (UEC) has officially postponed the highly anticipated UEC Football Forum 2025 after nationwide transport strikes in Belgium created major logistical concerns for traveling participants.
The event, originally scheduled for October 28, 2025, will now take place on November 18, 2025 in Brussels.
UEC confirmed the change in an official statement, noting that the Belgian national strikes have caused widespread disruption to flight schedules, public transportation infrastructure, and hotel accessibility. With hundreds of representatives from clubs across Europe expected to attend, organizers decided that postponement was the only viable option to ensure full participation.
A Key Gathering for Non-Elite European Clubs
The UEC Football Forum is one of the most important annual platforms for small- and medium-sized clubs across Europe. The event focuses on:
- Financial sustainability models
- Data-driven club development
- Training methodologies
- Solidarity payments
- Youth development protection
- Governance reforms in UEFA competitions
This year’s gathering was set to include round-table sessions with club executives, agents, analysts, league officials, and player representatives.
While the postponement creates a minor scheduling setback, UEC leadership emphasized that the change will not affect the forum’s agenda, which will remain as originally planned.
UEC: “Our Priority Is Safety and Accessibility”
In its public communication, the UEC stated:
“Due to Belgium’s national strike and the significant travel complications this has caused, we are moving the event to 18 November. Ensuring that all participants have safe and easy access to Brussels is our top priority.”
Clubs from more than 40 European leagues were expected to participate, including representatives from Norway, Croatia, Greece, Scotland, Denmark, Portugal, and the lower divisions of England and Spain.
Many of these clubs rely on affordable travel and coordinated routes both of which were severely disrupted by the transport shutdown.
Industry Reaction: Understanding and Relief
Despite the inconvenience, reactions from club officials across Europe were largely positive. Many expressed relief that UEC chose clarity over uncertainty, allowing attendees to adjust bookings and reduce financial risk.
Some executives noted that the postponement might even be beneficial, as it now gives clubs additional time to prepare reports, proposals, and case studies for the forum’s workshops.
New Date, Same Key Discussions
The November forum will continue focusing on:
- The future of European competitions
- Fair financial distribution
- Modernizing club governance
- Tech-driven football operations
- The role of fans in club sustainability
With the ongoing debate regarding UEFA reforms and the commercial impact of the global football calendar, the rescheduled event may see even greater turnout and higher-stakes discussions.
UEC confirmed that all previously purchased tickets remain valid and that additional seats may be made available due to increased interest after the rescheduling.
Leave a comment