Andrey Pavelko participated in the discussion and signing ceremony of the memorandum between UEFA and CONMEBOL

13.02.2020 15:10

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The UEFA Executive Committee and the CONMEBOL Council met at the European Football House in Nyon and signed an updated memorandum of understanding, continuing the agreement signed in 2012.

The event was attended by the President of the Ukrainian Football Association, a member of the UEFA Executive Committee Andriy Pavelko. The new memorandum will be the basis for strengthening cooperation between the two associations in a number of areas to promote the development of football on both continents.

The Memorandum is intended to provide assistance and support in relations between UEFA and CONMEBOL, as well as the relevant member associations, in the design and implementation of projects and activities concerning: 

- education, training, technical development and arbitration;

- promoting the development of mass, children's and women's football;

- organization of men's, women's and youth competitions in football and futsal;

- issues of marketing, legal and social responsibility;

- security and law and order;

- promotion of the principles of ethical and conscientious management in football.

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To enhance cooperation in these projects, the two governing bodies have decided to set up four joint committees to focus on competition, football development, women's soccer and arbitration. 

According to Andriy Pavelko, uniting people and whole continents with the help of football is always an effective formula, which was strengthened by a new memorandum of cooperation and mutual understanding between UEFA and CONMEBOL. "An extremely warm and friendly meeting in Nyon, an exchange of ideas and plans for the joint development of football in Europe and South America ... The development of football, the promotion of women's football, tournaments and refereeing are equally important for the two continents. and CONMEBOL. This is a great platform for creating and disseminating innovative football solutions, and Ukraine will be one of the most active participants in this process, "said the UAF President.

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Speaking after the meeting, UEFA President Alexander Cheferin said: “UEFA and CONMEBOL are linked by ancient history and traditions, including epic and exciting competitions such as the Artemio Franki Trophy and the European / South American Cup. 

Today's agreement is a step towards closer cooperation between UEFA and CONMEBOL, so that we can share experience and knowledge for the further development of the game on both continents. I would like to thank the CONMEBOL Council for the visit and the many good ideas they came up with! ”

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CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez added: “We have been working for months to hold a very constructive and fruitful meeting today. And I am glad that CONMEBOL and UEFA have agreed to cooperate in different areas. Together we can do a lot for the development of football, and I really hope for this enhanced cooperation. This is just the beginning. "

Other agreements reached by UEFA and CONMEBOL relate to the following areas.

Arbitration

UEFA and CONMEBOL have agreed to implement an arbitration exchange program, under which officials of both organizations will receive appointments on another continent and share experiences with each other. It is possible to appoint European referees for the group stage match of the America's Cup, and referees from South America - for the matches of the group stage of Euro 2020. Similar exchanges are also possible in the Champions League / Libertadores Cup and the Europa League / Sudamerican Cup.

Intercontinental matches

In the coming months, the UEFA / CONMEBOL Joint Committee will explore the possibility of creating intercontinental men's and women's tournaments for different age groups.

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Women's soccer

Representatives of UEFA and CONMEBOL have agreed to jointly develop a strategy for the development of women's football in individual associations, as well as to cooperate in the implementation of commercial concepts and programs.

Coaching activities

The Working Group compares the minimum requirements of the coaching conventions of both organizations and analyzes the possibility of mutual recognition of licenses in the future. Technical experts will appreciate the opportunity to conduct coaching courses and exchange programs for students studying for a Pro license. They are expected to attend conferences and seminars, as well as technical observers at tournaments.

Retail

The parties agreed to work closely on young talent development programs aimed at training and preparing football players for professional careers in their own championships and abroad; educating high-level players for local clubs; development of personal qualities of players; training of coaches and improvement of national scout networks.

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