UEFA scope broadening

UEFA is looking back on a busy and productive period – and is looking forward to a rewarding year with the UEFA EURO 2008™ final round, as well as continuing its crucial work as the body's role diversifies.

Wider range of activities
In the UEFA administration's report to the XXXII Ordinary UEFA Congress in Zagreb, representatives of UEFA's 53 member associations were advised by the European governing body's General Secretary David Taylor that "football competitions remain at the heart of UEFA's work, but the role of the organisation has changed in recent years to encompass a wider ranger of activities".

EU relations
Mr Taylor emphasised the importance of relationships with the political authorities, and the ongoing dialogue with the European Union in particular, as part of UEFA's efforts to create a better legal foundation for the regulation and development of European football.

Sport's specificity
"A landmark was reached (in 2007) with the inclusion of a reference to the specificity of sport in the new European Reform Treaty," Mr Taylor said. "This is the first time that sport, and its special characteristics, have been referred to in European legislation. We look forward to the adoption of the new treaty by European countries during 2008 and to working with the political authorities to define more clearly the special characteristics of sport which need to be recognised in sports regulation."

Associations' involvement
Mr Taylor highlighted the national associations' increased involvement in UEFA's work through the new committee structure approved at last year's extraordinary congress in Zürich, and reflected positively upon the formation of the Professional Football Strategy Council, which brings together UEFA vice-presidents, the leagues, clubs and players' representatives to discuss important professional football issues. "Already there are encouraging signs that these new organisational structures are producing results," the UEFA General Secretary said.

EURO anticipation
The 2006/07 period covered by the report has also been notable for an increase in activities related to this year's UEFA EURO 2008™ in Austria and Switzerland. "The last year before the staging of a tournament of this scale requires a huge amount of planning and co-ordination," said Mr Taylor. "We can feel confident that the final round has been well prepared, and we look forward to some top-class European international football in June 2008."

Broad palette
The UEFA administration's report to the Zagreb Congress covers the full range of UEFA's activities across its divisions and sister companies. Click here to view the report.