UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin’s opening speech to Congress 2025 highlighted why European football’s core values of unity, solidarity and teamwork are more important than ever in an increasingly divided world.
Model of unity
“European football must continue to stand as a model for unity in this increasingly divided world. We unite and inspire. It is our mission, to which we are wholly committed.”
EURO 2024 – building bridges
“From the electric atmosphere in the stadiums to the millions it inspired around the world, EURO 2024 reminded us that where politics builds walls, football builds bridges. We were not divided but worked together to showcase the greatest social movement in Europe.”
2027 EURO Under-21 finals in Albania and Serbia
“Football is more than a sport: it is both a mirror and a model of society. It speaks a universal language that goes beyond borders, unites communities, and inspires dreams… which is why we look to a tournament like the EURO Under-21 finals (in 2027), hosted jointly by Albania and Serbia, as a shining reminder that there are no real borders in European football.”
A fundraising and distribution marvel
“I often hear UEFA is too focused on making money… but we are not a cold and unfeeling profit machine; we’re a fundraising and distribution marvel – with a conscience. Because we distribute these funds – a whole 97% in fact. We pump it back into European football. For the benefit of the many, not just a few.”
Women’s EURO 2025 in Switzerland
“The Women’s EURO will show the world just how unstoppable women’s football really is. The new women’s football strategy sets out a comprehensive vision for the game and its long-term development. Our mission is simple – to help women’s football gain its rightful place in the European sporting community.”
Sport’s largest solidarity scheme
“Who in sport gives back more than UEFA? Our HatTrick programme is one of the largest solidarity schemes in sport, redistributing more than half the net revenue from the men’s UEFA European Championships to our member associations for investment.”
Football’s symphony
“A good symphony, like good football, is a very special thing. Because that’s precisely what football is. Just look at our club competitions: a symphony of countries, clubs, and players. A symphony of tactics and approaches – of teamwork.”
Financial sustainabilility
“We work for football and the fans, not just for one-time, short-term profits. Our elite competitions generate important funds and raise greater awareness of the grassroots. With that in mind, clubs must prioritise long-term growth over unchecked ambition, creating a system where success is earned, not bought.”
Pluribus unum – Out of many, one
“In football, as in everyday life, unity is not about erasing differences. It is about making them work together harmoniously… Out of many nations, many clubs, many communities… ONE football.”
“We are a united team. A unified force. And a powerful union. We are the union of European football.”
