UEFA announces Supporter Liaison Officers at clubs (18/08/10)

The introduction of a new UEFA licensing requirement from season 2012/13 for all clubs to have an operating Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) marks an important new chapter in club to supporter relations and emphasizes how important this relationship is considered. Under Article 35 of the new UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play regulations, clubs will have the obligation to appoint an SLO to ensure a proper and constructive dialogue between a club and its fans. The move is the result of close cooperation between European football's governing body and Supporters Direct - the body which provides guidance and backing to fan groups in 17 countries throughout Europe.

The SLO concept which has been under consideration for some time, has gained full support from the national associations represented in the UEFA club licensing committee and has been drawn up with the strong cooperation of Supporters Direct. The concept, aimed at building a consensual and harmonious relationship with supporters, was presented and discussed at the European Football Fans' Congress in Barcelona last weekend organised by FSE. This event, the third of its kind, was attended by hundreds of fan representatives from around Europe who were provided an opening address by William Gaillard, the personal advisor to the UEFA President, before a series of workshops where thoughts were exchanged between supporters and UEFA on a number of important projects including Financial Fair Play and SLO's.