UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) is not just an organization conducting European cups. It is a motor, engine, and regulator of football across the continent. Founded in 1954 in Basel, it now unites 55 national associations. Without UEFA, European football would be like the Wild West: without rules, without a single calendar, without fair distribution of money. UEFA has given the world the Champions League, Euro, club licensing system, and financial fair-play program. Let's understand what its contribution consists of. Champions League: the quintessence of club football The European Cup (since 1992 — the Champions League) is UEFA's main offspring. A tournament that gathers the best clubs in Europe. The famous anthem, the "Ears" (cup), finals, attracting hundreds of millions of viewers. The Champions League has raised the prestige of club football to an unreachable height, turning it into a global show. Without UEFA, there would be no "Real" with 14 titles, "Milan", "Bayern", "Liverpool". The prize funds of the tournament reach 2 billion euros, which are distributed among the clubs. Euro: a festival of national teams Euro (UEFA European Championship) is the second most important tournament in the world after the World Cup. It was held for the first time in 1960. Since then, it has grown to 24 teams. Euro gives us unforgettable moments: the Danish "miracle" in 1992, the Greek sensation in 2004, Portugal's determined victory in 2016. UEFA conducts qualifying cycles, organizes the final stages, promotes women's football (European Championship among women). Euro also stimulates the development of infrastructure in host countries (stadiums, roads, hotels). League of Nations: a new look at friendly matches In 2018, UEFA launched the League of Nations — a tournament designed to replace boring friendly matches of national teams. It divides teams into divisions, gives a chance to weak teams to rise, and strong teams to fight for the trophy. The League of Na ... Read more