Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin addressed delegates at the 50th Ordinary UEFA Congress in Brussels, emphasizing football’s ability to unite diverse communities across Europe. He described football as a common language for a continent often marked by division, highlighting respect as its “quiet superpower.” This respect includes rivalry, adherence to shared rules, and commitment to the game itself, enabling football to succeed where politics may not, according to Čeferin.
Čeferin acknowledged recent unprecedented challenges for European football, including a global pandemic, wars, geopolitical tensions, and economic pressures. Despite these, European football sustained unity, responsible leadership, and stability, driven by strong conviction in its future.
He reaffirmed the importance of preserving football’s open and inclusive nature as part of the European sports model, insisting it cannot be bought, sold, or closed. Čeferin stressed that football’s roots in communities and shared experiences must endure, as what belongs to all is stronger than any individual force.
Regarding changes to UEFA’s club competition formats, Čeferin noted that UEFA consulted widely, listened to stakeholders, made adjustments, and acted collectively, demonstrating a collaborative approach to reform.