History of UEFA
(UEFA.com)
Updated: 2004-06-03 11:32

The Union des Associations Européennes de Football (UEFA) celebrates its Jubilee this year. UEFA was founded on 15 June 1954, in Basle, Switzerland. FIFA, the world body, was celebrating its own 50th birthday, and many felt there was a need for a separate governing body devoted exclusively to European football. When FIFA approved the formation of continental football associations in 1953, UEFA's creation was assured.

Guiding hand

UEFA became the guiding hand and governing body of European football, on and off the field. Initiatives to found continent-wide competitions were soon acted upon. At club level, the European Champion Clubs' Cup, competed for by domestic champions, was established in April 1955, and was followed that same month by the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

New competitions

The European Nations' Cup, a new European competition for national teams, commenced in 1958 - the finals taking place for the first time in 1960. Also in 1960, the inaugural European/South American Cup took place, contested by the two continents' champion club sides. The UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (then titled the European Cup Winners' Cup), open to domestic cup winners, was staged for the first time in 1960/61. UEFA also took responsibility from FIFA in 1956 for staging the International Youth Tournament, an event staged since 1948.

Prestigious event

In 1968, the European Nations' Cup was renamed the European Football Championship, and a competition for national Under-23 sides was introduced (three years later, it was replaced by an U21 event). In 1971, the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup came totally under UEFA control and was renamed the UEFA Cup; and the UEFA Super Cup, contested by the clubs who won the Champion Clubs' Cup and Cup Winners' Cup came into being in 1973. In 1977, the number of participants in the European Championship final round doubled to eight teams for the 1980 finals in Italy, and doubled again to 16 in 1996 for the final round in England. In 1992, the European Champion Clubs' Cup became the UEFA Champions League, and is now the world's most prestigious football club competition.

Developing unity

When founded, UEFA's purpose was to work on behalf of Europe's national associations to promote football, and to develop unity among the European football community. At the time, there were 25 national associations; now, after political changes in Eastern Europe, there are 52 associations under its wing. This in turn has led to the expansion of UEFA competitions.

Expert panels

UEFA has diversified as it grew in stature, promoting improvement within the European game. It has various standing committees, as well as expert panels, which study the game, hold discussions, make decisions and recommendations and suggest innovations. Seminars and conferences help shape European football's course.

Money reinvested

As football has become more of a business, UEFA has taken steps to ensure the vast sums of money generated are reinvested back into the game. Assistance programmes help associations improve their domestic infrastructures. UEFA has done much to encourage sportsmanlike conduct through its Fair Play campaigns and has also been at the forefront of moves to improve safety at matches. The integration process within western Europe has also brought about the intensification of contacts between UEFA and the European Union.

Taking care

As it celebrates its 50th birthday, UEFA has grown from a staff of three in its early days into a modern business organisation with more than 200 employees, operating from purpose-built headquarters in Nyon, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Yet this, the organisation's raison d'être is very much the same. UEFA remains the guardian of football in Europe, protecting and nurturing the sport at all levels.

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