On December 25th, UEFA President Ceferin gave an end-of-year summary of European soccer in 2022 He said that 2022 will be another busy year for European soccer and that the HatTrick Expanded Development Program will help the cause of European soccer. Furthermore, he said that they will redouble their efforts to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for European soccer.
Below is the full text of Chevillin's year-end summary:
2022 will be another busy year for UEFA. Together with the European soccer community, we have worked tirelessly to protect and promote the core values of the sporting model, as they are at the heart of our game. This core value includes open play based on sporting performance, financial solidarity between the top and the bottom of soccer's pyramid structure, and recognition of the sport's wider role in society.
In 2022, no Europe communicates these values better than the Women's Europa League. It is a vibrant event, a grand festival. The event has broken records on several occasions. In addition, the event raises the competitiveness, visibility and value standards of the women's soccer teams and sparks the imagination of the hosts, England and other European countries.
Statistically, there were more fans watching the game than ever before. One in six fans traveled to England from abroad. Not only that, but the event has shown great ability to promote social change. Statistically, 48% of ticket holders are women, 30% of whom are under 30.
We will reinvest the revenues from top level competitions into the game and lay the foundation for the development of women's and men's soccer.
At the 2022 Congress in Vienna, we also announced the expansion of HatTrick the program that uses Men's Europa League revenues for projects in all of our 55 member associations. HatTrick funding is expected to increase by 21% from 2024 to 2028, a growth trend that will allow us to grow European soccer.
This year, the diplomatic heart of UEFA beats at a determined pace. By capitalizing on the extraordinary popularity and influence of soccer, we have raised awareness of human rights, environmental and social issues. In addition, we have contributed to the fight against climate change, led anti-discrimination campaigns, run campaigns to promote diversity and inclusiveness, and promoted healthy lifestyles for young and old ...
Of course, these achievements would not have been possible without the club and national team competitions that drive our mission, and which provide an important link between professional and grassroots soccer. Together, these competitions demonstrate the importance of open play, where qualification depends on sporting merit. Everyone, regardless of age or ability, can dream of competing at the highest level.
Finally, I would like to thank all those who have stood with UEFA in defense of the European sports model. Your support will continue to inspire us in 2023 as we redouble our efforts to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for European soccer.
