The meeting of Europe's Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) - representing over 20 leagues such as the English Premier League, Spain's La Liga and Italy's Serie A - comes in the wake of Sunday's shooting dead of a fan by police in Italy.

'This meeting was already scheduled, but it has taken on a different, more significant importance following the sad events in Italy at the weekend,' EPFL general manager Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros told Reuters ahead of the meeting in Madrid.

'We intend to agree a 10-point plan which we will then submit during an EU meeting on the matter at the end of the month.' The issue of soccer-related violence is due to be discussed at a high-level summit of European Union ministers, the European Commission, EU police chiefs, supporters groups and senior soccer officials on Nov. 28.

In February, an Italian policeman was killed during rioting outside a match in Sicily, while many European matches have been marred by violent and racist scenes.

Coordinated action
'We need a more coordinated level of action across Europe and more importantly we need the political will. The leagues are hoping to lead by example,' Madeiros said.

May's Champions League final between AC Milan and Liverpool was tainted by violence after fans with forged tickets gained entry, while others with genuine tickets were refused.

'The issuing, selling and traceability of tickets will be one of our priorities such as stricter rules and better computer programs to keep track on tickets from start to finish,' Madeiros said.

He added that the leagues would propose a new investment programme in partnership with the clubs and local authorities to improve security at stadiums across Europe.

'Increased CCTV coverage along with more specialist and heightened training for stewards, which we believe must also be harmonised throughout every country, must also be a priority.' -- REUTERS