Leagues

In many countries across Europe there is a professional league organisation, recognised by the relevant national association, which manages certain aspects of professional football, normally the running of the national championship.

On an institutional level, UEFA and the leagues interact via the leagues' representative body, the Association of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL). The EPFL is an association governed by Swiss law, founded in 2005 and based in Nyon, Switzerland. It traces its origins back to the 1997 founding of the EUPPFL (Association of European Union Premier Professional Football Leagues).

Originally composed by 12 members, it now comprises 30 members and associate members across Europe. Together they form a general assembly which elects a board of directors.

The EPFL and UEFA signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2009, under which the EPFL recognises UEFA as the governing body of football at European level, and UEFA recognises the EPFL as the association currently representing the interests of the European professional national football leagues.

See also: Association of European Professional Football Leagues