UEFA Football

UEFA Football -- more info

The UEFA European Football Championship, less formally the European Championship and informally the Euros, is the primary association football tournament organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). The competition is contested by UEFA members’ senior men's national teams, determining the continental champion of Europe. The competition has been held every four years since 1960, except for 2020, when it was postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, but kept the name Euro 2020. Scheduled to be in the even-numbered year between FIFA World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the European Nations' Cup, changing to the current name in 1968. Since 1996, the individual events have been branded as "UEFA Euro [year]".

Before entering the tournament, all teams other than the host nations (which qualify automatically) compete in a qualifying process. Until 2016 the championship winners could compete in the following FIFA Confederations Cup, but were not obliged to do so.

The sixteen European Championship tournaments have been won by ten national teams: Germany and Spain have each won three titles, Italy and France have won two titles, and the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, the Netherlands, Denmark, Greece and Portugal have won one title each. To date, Spain is the only team in history to have won consecutive titles, doing so in 2008 and 2012. It is the second-most watched football tournament in the world after the FIFA World Cup. The Euro 2012 final was watched by a global audience of around 300 million.

The most recent championship, held across Europe in 2021 (postponed from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), was won by Italy, who lifted their second European title after beating England in the final at Wembley Stadium in London on penalties.

 

https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/news/027b-168a93f61d52-237577c81d02-1000--european-football-reconfirms-its-opposition-to-breakaway-projec/

UEFA accommodated a meeting request from A22 Sports, a private commercial venture, today in Nyon by offering them a chance to address all the genuine representative authorities of European football. Top management of UEFA, led by President Aleksander Čeferin, and high representatives from the national leagues, clubs, players and fans, stressed together that the opposition to the self-proclaimed super league remains overwhelming today as it has been since April 2021.

In line with the unity of European football, UEFA and the participating football stakeholders once again unanimously rejected the rationale underpinning projects such as ESL during today's discussion. The participants took note, with surprise, of the claims of the A22 Sports CEO that this company is not representing any clubs in any capacity, including the three clubs who continue to openly support the project.

UEFA and football stakeholders remain committed to the foundations of European football, which are based on openness, solidarity and meritocracy and serve broader objectives of sporting principles and societal interest, rather than privilege and self-entitlement.

This approach has been given unanimous support by the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and extensive support from national governments, public institutions, and stakeholders across the continent.

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UEFA was inaugurated on 15 June 1954 in Basel, Switzerland after consultation between the Italian, French, and Belgian associations. At the founding meeting, 25 members were present. However, 6 other associations which were not present were still recognised as founding members, bringing the total of founding associations to 31. UEFA grew to more than 50 members by the mid-1990s, as new associations were born out of the fragmentation of the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia into their constituent states.

UEFA's main headquarters after its foundation were located in Paris, but moved to Bern in 1960. They moved to Nyon, Switzerland, in 1995, where they operated out of temporary offices until 1999 while the organisation's current headquarters were under construction.

UEFA membership coincides for the most part with recognition as a sovereign country in Europe (48 out of 55 members are sovereign UN member states), although there are some exceptions. One UN member state (Monaco) and one UN General Assembly non-member observer state (Vatican City) are not members. Some UEFA members are not sovereign states, but form part of a larger recognised sovereign state in the context of international law. These include England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales (constituent countries of the United Kingdom), Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory), the Faroe Islands (autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark), and Kosovo (state with limited recognition), however, in the context of these countries, government functions concerning sport tend to be carried at the territorial level coterminous with the UEFA member entity.

-- Wikipedia

Austria:

1. FC Red Bull Salzburg - Austria - Team Colors: Red and White - Nickname: Die MozartstädterImage: create a circular emblem style depicting the FC Red Bull of Salzburg including their nickname of "Die Mozartstädter" by AI & Gary.

FC Red Bull Salzburg is a football team steeped in history and has earned its place among the elite clubs of European football. Tracing the origins of this celebrated team takes us on a captivating journey through time, encountering key individuals and landmark moments that shaped its formation.

The story begins in 1933 when two local Salzburg clubs, namely Salzburger AK 1914 and SV Austria Salzburg, merged to create Austria Salzburg. The club experienced its fair share of ups and downs throughout the years, but it was in 1992 that a significant turning point emerged - the arrival of the energy drink company Red Bull.

Red Bull saw the potential in the club and took the reins in 2005, injecting much-needed financial support and a rejuvenated vision. Under the new ownership, the team embarked on a remarkable journey that would change the course of Austrian football forever.

In the early years of Red Bull Salzburg, the team faced various challenges in their quest for success. They failed to reclaim the domestic title until the 2006-2007 season, but this victory marked the beginning of a dominant era for the club. With the help of influential figures such as manager Huub Stevens and sporting director Heinz Hochhauser, Salzburg quickly became a force to be reckoned with.

The team has significant triumphs that came in the 2009-2010 season when they clinched their first-ever domestic double, winning both the Austrian Bundesliga and the Austrian Cup. This achievement was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching who had transformed the team into a powerhouse.

Notable players have also left their mark on Red Bull Salzburg throughout its history. The likes of Sadio Mane, Naby Keita, Erling Haaland have all donned the famous red and white jersey, showcasing their immense talent and paving the way for future stars.

In recent seasons, Red Bull Salzburg has achieved unprecedented success both domestically and on the European stage. Under the guidance of coach Jesse Marsch, the team has continued to dominate Austrian football, winning several consecutive league titles and consistently representing Austria in European competitions.

The club has a thrilling style of play and attacking prowess has captured the hearts of fans and neutrals alike. Their high press and fluid passing style have become trademarks of Red Bull Salzburgs approach to the game. Moreover, the team stresses emphasis on youth development that has yielded fantastic results, with numerous talented young players emerging from their ranks and making a name for themselves on the global stage.

Looking to the future, the prospects for FC Red Bull Salzburg are incredibly exciting. With the continued support of Red Bull and a commitment to nurturing young talent, the team is poised to make an even greater impact on both domestic and international football. Perhaps another deep run in the UEFA Champions League or a coveted domestic treble awaits the club on their path to becoming a household name worldwide.

As we reflect on the captivating history of FC Red Bull Salzburg, it becomes clear that their journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From humble beginnings to becoming a dominant force in Austrian and European football, this team has left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. So, let us relish in the triumphs, learn from the challenges, and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for this illustrious club.