UEFA CONGRESS OPENED IN BELGRADE

BELGRADE, APRIL 3 /SRNA/ - Caretaker prime minister Miloš Vučević said at the ceremonial opening of the UEFA Congress in Belgrade that Serbia has been given a great honor to host this prestigious gathering of distinguished representatives of European football.

Vučević welcomed the participants and emphasized that it is a special honor for him to attend a gathering of eminent individuals united, as he put it, by the noble aspirations of this magnificent sport.

"With deep respect, I quote the words of the legendary Marco van Basten: `I think football is a great game because it brings people together. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what language you speak - football unites everyone.` This statement encapsulates the essence of our gathering today," Vučević said.

He emphasized that football in Serbia has a long and glorious legacy, and that hosting this congress, which is being held for the first time in Belgrade, symbolizes Serbia's commitment to advancing this sport and its unwavering cooperation with UEFA.

Vučević says that Serbia is dedicated to developing football alongside UEFA and that significant investments are being made in improving football infrastructure and providing institutional support to the Football Association of Serbia and Serbian clubs.

He emphasized that he is delighted that UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin does not need a translator, as he speaks Serbian, praising his dedication to the sport, precise understanding of football's nuances, and visionary leadership, which signals a bright future for football.

The congress, held at the "Sava" Center, brings together the presidents and general secretaries of all 55 UEFA member associations.

The agenda of the 49th UEFA Congress will include elections to the FIFA Executive Committee and Council, ratification of representatives of the European League to the UEFA Executive Committee, reports from the UEFA President and Executive Committee, and the UEFA administration's report for the 2023/2024 season.

Financial reports for the 2023/2024 year will be reviewed, along with the budget for the 2025/2026 financial year. Changes in the work of UEFA committees will also be discussed, and honorary memberships will be awarded.