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The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is preparing for changes that are compared to the most successful UEFA project of all time, the creation of the Champions League in 1991. After lengthy discussions and preparatory work, all 53 UEFA members agreed to centralize their marketing rights until 2014 and authorized UEFA to begin implementing the project.
"Lithuania and several other football federations suggested that UEFA focus on national team matches and raise their level based on the experience of one of the most successful football tournaments - the UEFA Champions League," said Lithuanian Football Federation president Liutauras Varanavičius. "I personally worked extensively on this issue leading the UEFA Media and Marketing Committees."
For the implementation of this project, a group of 8 people was established by decision of UEFA President Michel Platini. It consists of representatives from 4 major European football associations - Germany, England, France, and the Netherlands - as well as 4 leaders of federations actively advocating for centralization. One of them is LFF President L. Varanavičius.
"This project will change the organization of European and World championships held on the old continent. Lithuania has been given a great honor and at the same time responsibility to represent the interests of small and medium football associations," said L. Varanavičius.
The group established by the decision of the UEFA President will be responsible for preparing the conditions for centralization, determining the negotiating position, representing the interests of National Associations, and implementing the project.
