Before starting the work, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin gave the floor to Vice-President of the European Commission Mr. Margaritis Schinas. In his speech, he reminded delegates at the congress about the current situation in Ukraine.

"At a time when the tragedy of war has returned to Europe with Russia's brutal, unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine, representatives of national football associations present here today and UEFA leadership must demonstrate the highest degree of solidarity with Ukraine, European and world communities. By your policy of excluding Russian teams from international football and supporting the Ukrainian football community, you are demonstrating the strength of the European Union and European values. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts in this regard. Let us support our united position on this issue to stop Russian aggression and bring peace back to Ukraine," said Margaritis Schinas.

It should be noted that the delegation of the Ukrainian Football Association, led by its president and UEFA Executive Committee member Andriy Pavelko, participated in the congress work remotely from Ukraine.