UEFA statement on UEFA Champions League Marketing Agency

The UEFA Executive Committee has today concluded UEFA’s assessment of the two agencies (TEAM Marketing and IMG) shortlisted for the 2003-2006 marketing agency contract for the UEFA Champions League.

The Executive Committee congratulates both agencies on the strength of their proposals and the commitment they have shown throughout the rigorous tendering process. This has not been an easy decision.

UEFA has a duty and responsibility to assess agency proposals on a range of criteria, which protect the overall development of our competitions and ensure the right partnership for European football.

We have conducted a very detailed evaluation of the shortlisted agencies and the prevailing market conditions, supported by independent advice and analysis.

In reaching a decision, the following factors have been taken into account:

* The need for a new and innovative approach to the sale of UEFA Champions League broadcasting rights for 2003-2006 which also takes proper account of the concerns of the European Commission on these matters;

* The development of an increased role for UEFA itself on strategic and conceptual matters;

* The need for certainty on the future of UEFA Champions League branding and the smooth running of the competition;

* The ability to provide the operational focus required;

* The importance of a proven track record in top class professional football; and

* The right financial arrangements for the European football family.

In light of these considerations and the in-depth assessment provided by UEFA staff and their advisers, the Executive Committee has decided to support TEAM Marketing as the preferred agency for the UEFA Champions League 2003-2006.

The contract will now be subject to negotiations with TEAM Marketing with a view to reaching an agreement for the period 2003-2006 with the contract to be re-tendered in open competition for future periods.

In addition, the Executive Committee recognised the quality of the bid proposed by IMG and the excellent qualities of the agency and confirmed that UEFA would be happy to consider working with IMG on UEFA properties at some point in the future.

Finally, the Executive Committee offered both agencies UEFA’s thanks for their participation in this process and wished them both well for the future.

For further information please contact:

Mike Lee,
Uefa
Director of Communications and Public Affairs:
Tel. +41 22 994 45 59
Fax +41 22 994 37 37
uefa.com
info@uefa.com