Join us on Wednesday, March 12th, at 17:00 CET, for an exclusive iWorkinSport LIVE Interview podcast with Diederik Dewaele, Director of Football at the European Club Association (ECA). In this conversation, we'll explore his career journey, the evolution of club football in Europe and ECA's role in the European football landscape.
With a distinguished career in football governance, talent development, and club support, Diederik has played a crucial role in European football for nearly two decades. A graduate of the FIFA Master, he started his career at UEFA in the professional football services department before transitioning to the ECA in its early days. Since then, he has been instrumental in developing key programs that support over 735 clubs across 55 European associations.
Diederik has led groundbreaking initiatives such as the Sporting Director Programme, launched in collaboration with the UEFA Academy, to professionalize sporting director roles across Europe. He has also played a key role in fostering knowledge-sharing among top clubs, organizing workshops on recruitment, youth development, and high-performance strategy. His work helps clubs navigate the complex landscape of modern football, balancing financial sustainability with on-field success.
In this interview, we'll discuss Diederik's career path, the success of the new Champions League format, and how ECA is supporting clubs in areas such as governance, recruitment, and player development. Whether you’re an aspiring sports executive, a football professional, or simply passionate about the business of football, this conversation will provide invaluable insights into the inner workings of European club football.
Mark your calendar and don’t miss the opportunity to hear from one of the top figures in European football management!