Sources: Newcastle United plot behind-the-scenes move that will cement place among Euro elite
Newcastle United plan to begin the application process for Ordinary Member status in the European Club Association if they qualify for the Champions League this season, sources have told Football Insider.
The Magpies are currently an Associated Member, meaning they are entitled to participate in working groups, committees and expert panels but do not have voting rights within the organisation.
Membership of the ECA, which comprises 245 elite European clubs, is assessed in four-year cycles, with the current cycle coming to an end at the close of 2022-23.
The ECA currently lists six English clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Man United and Tottenham – as Ordinary Members.
An ECA source has now told Football Insider that Newcastle, who have their sights set on domestic and continental domination under the Saudi Public Investment Fund, want a seat at the top table.
Ordinary Member status would also allow Newcastle representatives to stand for election to the ECA’s executive board, which is currently chaired by Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Eddie Howe’s side are currently 3rd in the Premier League and would become the 7th-highest-ranked English side under Uefa’s five-year coefficient system if they secure Champions League qualification this term.
The ECA will decide how many English clubs warrant Ordinary Member status at the first General Assembly meeting of the new four-year cycle in September.
The organisation has grown in power in recent years and is forming a stronger alliance with European football’s governing body, Uefa.
Newcastle would not be guaranteed Ordinary Member status upon Champions League qualification but their new-found political clout would likely work in their favour.
In other news, Newcastle United pull plug on Marcus Thuram deal after contact made.