Astana will become the venue where the new leadership of European football will be determined. On April 22, 2027, the 51st UEFA Congress will be held in the capital of Kazakhstan, during which the president of the organization and members of the Executive Committee will be elected. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of all 55 national football associations that are members of UEFA, as well as the organization's leadership, FIFA delegates, European leagues, clubs, and other sports organizations will attend the Congress.
"Granting Kazakhstan the right to host such a large-scale event confirms the high level of trust from UEFA and recognition of the country's capabilities in organizing major international sporting events," the ministry noted.
The ministry clarified that UEFA will cover all organizational expenses.
Meanwhile, the congress will take place against the backdrop of active changes in Kazakh football. The country is modernizing sports infrastructure, developing youth football, and changing the management system for professional clubs.
Already 11 clubs operate under a new model with private investment. More than 80 billion tenge have been invested in their development. In the near future, eight more clubs are planned to be transferred to this system.
Earlier it became known that French club Paris Saint-Germain will open its football academy in Kazakhstan. This is expected to help train young players according to modern international standards.
Hosting the UEFA Congress and opening the PSG academy are two more steps toward Kazakhstan strengthening its position on the European football map.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that all 55 national associations that are members of UEFA stated that their national teams will not participate in tournaments under the auspices of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) until it abandons the idea of transferring part of the rights to the World Cup and other competitions to private investors.
You can read about what exactly FIFA plans to sell to investors and why UEFA announced a boycott here.