The EFL has supported the introduction of a new manifesto for the Association of European Professional Leagues (EPFL), which represents 32 professional football leagues across 25 different countries.

The EPFL, which will now be formally known as ‘European Leagues’, unveiled its pledge to the future of European football at the Association’s congress in Edinburgh earlier this month, detailing the commitment to “protect and enhance competitive balance in professional league competitions for the good of the game, the players, the fans and the clubs.”

As a representative member, the EFL was involved in the discussions at Congress and has backed the introduction of the manifesto and the change in corporate identity.

EFL Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, who is an observer on the Board of the European Leagues, said: “The EFL has a significant interest in the decision-making process of European football and is supportive of the developments that were introduced at the recent Congress meeting.

“We will continue to represent the interests of our 72 Clubs on a continental level by working closely with the European Leagues to ensure the principles of integrity and competitive balance are maintained.”

Speaking following the announcement, European Leagues President Lars Christer Olsson stated that the time was right to make these changes and also to reaffirm their mission and mandate.

 “The EPFL acronym was a little bit cumbersome and not reflecting our DNA as competition organisers so changing to European Leagues makes complete sense for us and hopefully for the wider football community.

“More importantly this process of changing our name and corporate identity has given us the opportunity to reassess and reaffirm who we are and what we stand for. Each Member League has signed our new Manifesto.”