The head of UEFA, Alexander Cheferin, called on EU sports ministers to work together with UEFA to make European football "honest, unpredictable, open and united".

Cheferin explained to the sports ministers of the EU countries various aspects of the role, mission and obligations of UEFA. He stressed that European football firmly intends to further promote the idea of ??unity and solidarity, and called on the EU to work with UEFA to make European football "honest, unpredictable, open and united".

UEFA has established constructive relations with the European Union and European political authorities, in particular through the signing of a number of cooperation agreements, and has received support for its key principles, such as financial fair play, good governance reforms and the desire to make football accessible to all.

"These relations are imbued with trust, common values ??and a mutual desire to act in the common interest," said the President of UEFA.

"For many years, football has become something more than just a game, passion or entertainment," added Cheferin. - It unites half a billion people in Europe, regardless of age, class and religion. He gives hope for the future. This is part of a common European culture ".

"UEFA as the governing body of European football represents the largest social phenomenon of the continent. This is an important duty, "- added the President of UEFA.

Cheferin stressed that the role of UEFA has long been not limited to the organization of tournaments and the installation of rules. "Day by day we support a number of values ??and resolve conflicts of interests of different parties: fans, football players, clubs, leagues, national associations, broadcasters and sponsors".

"The growth of commercialization of football only emphasizes the need for a strong, authoritative and visionary governing body," added Cheferin.

The President of UEFA recalled that the distribution of income and reinvestment has always remained the cornerstone of the philosophy of the European Football Union and ensured the well-being of the game. "Just as the state finances public services and infrastructure, UEFA seeks to finance its activities".

Cheferin assured that UEFA will continue to defend the European sport model: "As long as I am the president of UEFA, you can forget about any selfish aspirations and false claims".

"I can not accept that some people, blinded by the thirst for profit, are thinking of selling the soul of football tournaments to ghost private funds".

"Money does not solve everything. The European model of sport needs to be respected. Football is not for sale. I will not allow anyone to sacrifice its structure and place it on the altar of cynical and merciless mercantilism ".

Speaking about the sports balance in football, Cheferin said that the concentration of finance in the hands of a limited number of clubs "threatens the competitive balance, important for the attractiveness of football".

"We are ready to take measures to improve the competitive balance. It is urgent to act and react to the situation, before it's too late ".

Cheferin urged the governments of the EU countries with the European Commission to continue to support the beginnings of UEFA. "Do not do nothing. Do not follow the "wait and see" policy, "he said.. - You must pursue the same goals as we: the openness and unpredictability of the competition ".

In two years matches of the final stage of EURO 2020 will take 12 cities across the continent. "This is a unique opportunity to pay tribute to the unity of Europe," Cheferin. EURO 2020 will not only increase the popularity of football and create new jobs, but will also help to solve key tasks in the field of EU integration.

"This stimulates the development of the regions," said Cheferin. - Cultural diversity, social cohesion, sustainable development, innovation and economic growth. We are at the beginning of the road to leaving Europe a rich heritage for many years after the end of the tournament ".

The head of UEFA welcomed the active and constructive cooperation with the EU: "I want to build a future based on cooperation and interaction. European football is becoming stronger when all stakeholders are united around common goals ".

"Together we can create an image of a strong and united Europe and demonstrate a common desire for positive changes throughout the European continent," added Cheferin.

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