London Cypriot to sit on UEFA Strategy Council

Arsenal’s chief executive Ivan Gazidis whose maternal grand mother is Cypriot has joined the European Club Association (ECA) and will represent the body on UEFA’s Professional Strategy Council, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

Gazidis, 48, replaces Manchester United CEO David Gill who has stepped aside from his position on the ECA Executive Board.

The ECA represents 207 European clubs including 10 English Premier League sides including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.

“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,” Gazidis told the club’s website (www.Arsenal.com).