UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said this Wednesday that the President of the Portuguese Professional Football League (LPFP) will help strengthen the relationship between this European organization and the national leagues.
In a message via video conference at the opening of the XII Presidents’ Summit in Coimbra, the head of European football expressed confidence that Pedro Proença would contribute “to strengthening the relationship and cooperation between UEFA and national leagues across Europe.”
In a statement quoted by the Club League, Aleksandar Ceferin said UEFA welcomed “with great satisfaction” the election of Pedro Proenza as president of the European Leagues Association.
“Over the years, Portuguese football has produced enormous and fantastic talent, including great leaders,” he stressed.
The UEFA leader called for unity in the face of the European Court of Justice’s recent ruling on the new European club competitions and the threat of a so-called Super League.
“This moment represents a great opportunity to demonstrate to those who want to undermine the football pyramid that everyone in this forum (UEFA, clubs and leagues) is more united than ever,” said Aleksandar Čeferin.
The European director assured that UEFA cares about “all clubs, not just the elite”, as well as fans, players, volunteers, professional leagues and amateur football.
According to the UEFA President, “at all levels of the pyramid, sporting merit is fundamental and national leagues and cups should be the only route to European club competitions.”
Tobias Hedstuck, UEFA’s director of competitions, also attended the XII League Presidents’ Summit in person to highlight the reforms implemented in the competitions and improvements to the revenue distribution model.
“This means that even clubs that do not participate in our competitions will have access to more funding so they can continue to grow, develop and compete,” the UEFA president said.