December 11 – European Football Clubs (EFC) has agreed a multi-year partnership with EA SPORTS FC, aimed at strengthening the organisation’s work across its 800-plus member clubs and widening the sport’s reach on and off the pitch.
The agreement centres on three programmes that combine grassroots investment, digital engagement and expanded in-game representation for European teams.
In-game representation is a growing currency for smaller clubs – with EA FC’s enormous player base becoming the perfect patch to grow their own fanbases if utilised to its fullest potential.
Off the screen, the most significant agreement is the Symbol of Change Grants, which will see multiple clubs receive €100,000 each season to fund or scale community-led projects. The first winners will be announced at the EFC Club Connect event in Lisbon in March 2026.
Alongside the grants, EFC clubs will be able to deepen their digital fan engagement through co-branded content, including player-ratings activations and enhanced matchday features. EA SPORTS FC will also widen its in-game club portfolio, offering more European sides the chance to be authentically represented in one of the world’s largest football gaming platforms.
The initiatives will be supported by the EFC Foundation, which will help develop long-term sustainability for selected projects aligned with its social impact goals.
EFC said the partnership reflects its core mission of ensuring value returns to the clubs that produce it, while pushing forward “innovation, inclusivity and sustainability” across European football. It follows a period of heightened activity for the organisation, including its recent General Assembly and Football Leaders Forum in Rome, which drew more than 1,000 delegates.
The announcement also comes as EFC continues its close collaboration with UEFA through their commercial joint venture UC3, ahead of competition reforms for 2025/26.
Those include the restructured UEFA Women’s Champions League and the launch of the new UEFA Women’s Europa Cup – moves EFC says underline its commitment to a more inclusive and globally connected game.
To mark the start of the partnership, EA SPORTS FC Mobile has launched a special in-game activation featuring Icon Marcel Desailly, giving fans a new opportunity to connect with European football through the Ultimate Team experience.
Charlie Marshall, CEO of EFC, said: “EFC’s partnership with EA SPORTS FC represents a defining moment for our Member Clubs. It is about making club football at all levels more modern, inclusive and democratic — giving every club, no matter its size, the chance to grow, engage its fans and be recognised for its community impact.
“As part of delivering for our broad and diverse range of clubs across Europe, this EFC initiative will directly unlock new revenue streams for clubs, from community grants to digital activations and in-game licensing deals. Together, we are helping the game evolve, blending football’s heritage with the realities/opportunities of a digital future.”
James Salmon, EA SPORTS FC spokesperson added: “At EA SPORTS FC, we believe football’s power lies in its communities – in the clubs, players, and fans who bring the game to life each season. This partnership with EFC is about celebrating that authenticity and creating new opportunities for clubs of all sizes to connect with fans in meaningful, lasting ways.
Through our shared commitment to community impact and innovation, we’re helping the game evolve both on and off the pitch — empowering clubs to grow their reach, strengthen their ties with supporters and inspire the next generation to love football.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1765458485labto1765458485ofdlr1765458485owedi1765458485sni@g1765458485niwe.1765458485yrrah1765458485
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