UEFA: Ceferin confirms no Euro changes, qualifiers to change | OneFootball

During the Portugal Football Summit 2025, organized by the Portuguese Football Federation, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin clarified the organization’s position on the future of continental competitions.

UEFA, Ceferin confirms: “No changes for the Euros, but new developments expected for the qualifiers”

While ruling out changes to the European Championship format, Ceferin announced that discussions are underway to make the qualification format more interesting.

“I don’t think the Euros themselves will change,” said Ceferin, “but perhaps the qualifiers can be different. There won’t be more matches, but a more interesting format. We are currently reflecting on this.”

UEFA reflections: the goal, greater competitiveness

UEFA is evaluating new solutions to keep public interest high and make the qualifications for major competitions more balanced and engaging. The current system, with long groups and often marked technical differences between teams, has long been a subject of discussion. The options under consideration could include mini-tournaments, competitive tiers, or a model inspired by the Nations League, which would ensure more evenly matched games and less predictable results.

According to Ceferin, the goal is to preserve the identity of the Euros without overturning a formula that continues to be highly successful, but at the same time to make the qualification phase more dynamic, which is often considered too predictable.

Recognition for Portuguese football

During his speech, Ceferin dedicated words of great esteem to the Portuguese football movement, praising its competitiveness and ability to produce talent: “I receive questions from all over the world about two federations: Portugal and Croatia. Portugal has 10 million inhabitants, yet it continues to achieve extraordinary results. It all stems from their competitive spirit. In every Champions League final there are Portuguese players, and Portuguese teams remain among the strongest in Europe.”

The UEFA president then added: “Portugal is definitely among the favorites for the next World Cup.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, the eternal symbol of Portugal

Ceferin reserved a special mention for Cristiano Ronaldo, who at almost 40 years old is preparing for another World Cup: “He is one of the greatest ambassadors of Portuguese football and of Portugal itself. I have never seen such a competitive person. He is extraordinary and I have great respect for him both as a man and as a footballer. He is one of the three best players of all time.”

A tribute that confirms how Ronaldo remains, even today, a point of reference for the entire European football movement.

Champions League, Ceferin: “We had the courage to change”

The UEFA president finally commented on the success of the new Champions League, highlighting the importance of unpredictability and renewal: “Everyone wants change, but no one wants to make it happen. People said something needed to be done, but when we tried, they said no. We had the courage to talk to all the stakeholders, and now it’s a hugely successful competition.”

Ceferin explained how the new format has made the event more balanced and uncertain right up to the last matchday: “Before, by December you already knew who would qualify. Now, even PSG and Manchester City weren’t sure until the last match. This unpredictability is what makes football so special.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.