UEFA President Criticizes Super League, Praises European Football Success

At the UEFA Congress in Belgrade, President Aleksander Ceferin strongly defended European football’s current structure while criticizing plans for a Super League. Without naming it directly, Ceferin accused Super League proponents of wanting to “divide and destroy” football, while UEFA aims to “unite and build.”

Ceferin highlighted recent successes in European football, both at club and national team levels. He pointed to unexpected champions like Atalanta and Olympiacos, as well as wins by smaller nations like San Marino, Georgia and Slovenia in Euro qualifiers, as evidence that the current system allows for competitive balance and excitement.

The UEFA president emphasized football’s unifying power: “It’s more than a sport. It unites dreams and we must secure its future.” He contrasted this with the divisive nature of politics, stating “Politics builds walls while football builds bridges.”

Addressing criticisms of the new Champions League format, Ceferin claimed it has actually increased interest. He cited record-breaking audience numbers, including 5 billion viewers for the Euros and 230 million fans attending UEFA tournaments in stadiums. “How can they say football is sick or in crisis?” Ceferin asked rhetorically.

In closing, Ceferin thanked the European Club Association and its president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi for their support of UEFA. He emphasized UEFA’s commitment to resolving conflicts on the pitch rather than through threats or intimidation.