The European organization withdraws the organization of the 2024 Ordinary Congress from Madrid
MADRID, 26 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Albanian Armand Duka has been appointed vice president of UEFA, replacing the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales, UEFA announced this Tuesday after the meeting of its Executive Committee in Limassol (Cyprus), which also has unveiled the change of the headquarters of the 48th Ordinary Congress of the organization, initially set in Madrid, and which will be moved to Paris.
Rubiales was provisionally suspended for 90 days by FIFA on August 26 after kissing Spanish international Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony for the Women’s World Cup, in which Spain was proclaimed champion; Finally, he resigned from his position on September 10. Now the president of the Albanian Football Federation will take his place at European football’s governing body.
UEFA also reported that its Executive Committee has decided to move the 2024 UEFA Congress, as well as the draw for the group stage of the 2024-25 Nations League, from Madrid to Paris. Both events will be held on February 8, 2024.
On the other hand, the Executive Committee designated the National Stadium in Warsaw (Poland) as the venue for the 2024 European Super Cup, which will be played on August 14. In addition, he explained that their next meeting will be on October 10 in Nyon, where the hosts of the Euro Cups 2028 and 2032 will be designated.
In another vein, a revised governance framework was adopted for its national federations with the objective of “improving governance standards”, and which will be governed by five fundamental themes: democracy, transparency, integrity, control mechanisms and Politics and procedures. With it, it seeks to “foster a more inclusive, resilient and transparent environment for national football throughout Europe”, all within the ‘Together for the Future of Football 2019-2024’ strategy. Its implementation will be supported through various channels, including UEFA’s HatTrick VI program.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin considers this initiative “one more step towards improving football in Europe.” “The new national association governance framework will provide our members with broad support to embrace UEFA’s values and principles. Our aim is to ensure they are well equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future,” he said.
The organization also reported the readmission of underage teams from Russia this season, a sanction that arose after the start of the war in Ukraine, and announced that the Russian under-17 teams, both women’s and men’s, will be admitted, although insisting that their matches will be played outside Russian territory, without the country’s flag, anthem or national kit. The suspension of the other Russian national teams and clubs will remain in force until the conflict ends.
“UEFA’s continued suspension of Russian adult teams reflects its commitment to taking a stance against violence and aggression. UEFA is determined to maintain this stance until the war ends and peace is restored. But by banning the minors participate in our competitions, not only do we not recognize or defend a fundamental right for their integral development, but we directly discriminate against them. By giving them the opportunity to play and compete with their peers from all over Europe, we are investing in what we hope will be a generation brighter and more capable future and a better tomorrow,” said Ceferin.