UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin visited Copenhagen on Monday, accompanied by secretary general Theodore Theodoridis and football legend Luis Figo, for a series of crucial meetings with stakeholders in and around Danish football. This visit highlights UEFA’s commitment to engaging with local football communities and addressing important issues within the sport.
Key Topics Discussed in Copenhagen
The agenda for the day covered several pressing issues in the sport, including a briefing on the Danish FA’s billion‑krone initiative, Hele Danmarks Klubhus. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the grassroots infrastructure and ensuring that football remains accessible to all segments of society in Denmark. The delegation also met with influential figures such as Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt, Carlsberg chief executive Jacob Aarup-Andersen, and the Speaker of the Danish Parliament, Søren Gade.
The talks centered on strategic topics such as Denmark’s current EU presidency and the significance of the European sports model. This model is a fundamental framework in European sports that promotes solidarity, cohesion, and a structured pyramid from grassroots development to elite competition. By fostering a strong foundation for football at all levels, the model ensures the sustainability and growth of the sport across Europe.
DBU chair Jesper Møller described the visit as constructive and valuable, expressing appreciation to the officials involved for their productive meetings. This visit not only strengthens UEFA’s ties with Danish football but also underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting local initiatives and promoting the overall health of the sport.
As UEFA continues to navigate through the complexities of modern football, engagement with national federations like the Danish FA is crucial in shaping policies that benefit the game at every level. The discussions in Copenhagen are a testament to the continued evolution of football in Europe, fostering collaboration and innovation for the future.