Agnelli: “As an industry we must be more robust and sustainable”

The President of the European Club Association (ECA), Andrea Agnelli, assured that the football industry must adapt to living in the situation generated by COVID-19 and “to be more robust and sustainable in order to better cope with times of crisis.”

“We are entering a new era. Not a post-COVID-19 era, but one in which we are learning to live with constant health and economic risks. As an industry, we must adapt. We must be more robust and sustainable in order to better cope with times of crisis, “he pointed out in the Association's annual report 2019-20.

The document highlights that the effects of restrictions on large gatherings have highlighted the need to promote football throughout a more flexible and sustainable business and commercial model, which includes greater cost control.

“Nobody wants empty stadiums, our fans make the game what it is, giving our players the inspiration to go out and win“Agnelli stressed, who also spoke of the impact that the elimination of this important part of income has had in both large and small clubs.

The Italian manager nevertheless considered that the clubs should feel proud of having been able to “mitigate the first impacts of the virus as much as possible“, thanks to the collaboration of all interested parties to be able to finish the 2019-20 season in most of the national leagues and UEFA club competitions.

“2019-20 was the most difficult year for all of us, both on and off the field, but 2020-21 will be just as difficult. As uncertainty continues in all aspects of society, we will not have a complete picture of what this pandemic means for us, European clubs, and for the football industry as a whole until later, “he added.

Meanwhile, Agnelli invited “joint work and mutual aid between the clubs will allow finding solutions to face future challenges and ensure the sustainable future of the game. “