The European Commission and UEFA have signed a new cooperation agreement, providing a strong political endorsement of European football's existing structures. The Arrangement for Cooperation, signed on 9 November in Nyon, will remain in force until 31 December 2029.
Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin put their names to the deal, which is the fourth such pact since 2014. It aims to protect core principles like sporting merit, promotion and relegation, and the connection between grassroots and elite football.
A model based on values
The agreement explicitly backs the European Sport Model, which is founded on solidarity, inclusion, fair play and equality. It recognises UEFA as the sole European governing body and supports a unified football system. A key principle reaffirmed is that domestic league matches should be played in their home territory, preserving the link between clubs and their local communities.
National-team football receives particular recognition, with the men's and women's UEFA EURO tournaments highlighted as celebrations of European unity. The deal also underlines the need for a healthy balance between club and international competitions in the match calendar.
Leadership statements
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said the partnership was a response to recent challenges in global football. "Football in Europe has achieved extraordinary sporting and commercial success without abandoning its roots," Čeferin stated. "A place in a competition is earned on the pitch. The strongest parts of the game contribute to those below them."
Commissioner Glenn Micallef echoed this sentiment, describing football as an essential part of Europe's social fabric. "Together with the Commission’s forthcoming strategy to reinforce the European Sport Model, it reaffirms our support for open competitions, strong national-team football and inclusive governance," Micallef said.
Areas of cooperation
The renewed cooperation will extend to areas like promoting equality, climate action, healthy lifestyles and safeguarding young people. It builds on previous joint work on combating discrimination, increasing women's participation and promoting financial fair play.
The arrangement also commits both institutions to work together on strengthening the integrity of sport, including tackling match-fixing and ensuring good governance. They will cooperate on the promotion of physical activity through football and on the social and educational role of sport.
A joint statement noted that the partnership will support the implementation of EU policies in the field of sport, including the European Green Deal and the Digital Decade. The Commission and UEFA will also collaborate on promoting the positive values of sport and its contribution to social cohesion and public health across the European Union.
More detail at EU Reporter
