Arsenal chief execuitve Gazidis appointed to influential European posts

Nov 28, 2012 1:40:00 PM

The 48-year-old chief executive declared himself "delighted" at becoming a European Club Association board member and a representative to the Uefa Professional Strategy Council

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis says he is "delighted" at being handed two influential European roles within football, and is looking forward to being an "influential" part of shaping the future of European football.

The 48-year-old has been named as the European Club Association (ECA) representative to the Uefa Professional Strategy Council, which is the organisation's main policy-making body.

The Gunners supremo will also take a seat on the ECA Executive Board as a result, and oversee processes which represent over 207 European sides, including 10 Premier League teams.

"I am delighted to be joining these important groups which are hugely influential in the future direction of the game in Europe. I am looking forward to representing the top European clubs in many important debates as we move ahead," he told reporters.

ECA chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge welcomed Gazidis to the role, saying: "His experience and distinct football knowledge will add a lot of value to ECA and European club football as a whole."

Manchester United CEO David Gill recently stepped down from the ECA Executive Board, and Gazidis has taken the available spot.

Gazidis also maintains roles on the FA's Professional Game Board (PGB), the FA Council and on Fifa'ss Dispute Resolution Chamber.

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