During the opening of the 47th Ordinary UEFA Congress, which took place today, April 5, in Lisbon and where Alexander Ceferin was re-elected as president of UEFA, and Andriy Pavelka, president of the Ukrainian Football Association (UAF) — to the executive committee of the organization, Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa delivered a welcoming speech. In it, he particularly addressed the topic of the bid for hosting the 2030 World Cup final tournament, which, as is known, last year included Ukraine.

"This congress takes place in dramatic times when a war is ongoing in Europe. We are afraid today of the impact of this war; no one expected it and wished for it. We must understand that football and sports in general are not weapons of war, but tools for peace and dialogue between people. History knows wonderful examples where through sport — and in some cases specifically through football — we were able to achieve peace, tolerance, and understanding among people."

UEFA and each of you have a fundamental role in this desire to pursue the only possible victory — the victory of peace. This is a call that must mobilize everyone. Sporting events, the number of people who watch them, the emotions they feel make sports a unique platform with long-lasting impact that can be used to achieve such goals.

As you know, we have ambitions to host the 2030 World Cup together with Spain, Morocco, and Ukraine. This is an unprecedented joint bid from both sides of the Mediterranean Sea — the first World Cup that could be hosted by two continents — Europe and Africa. This is the best powerful message we can send to the world, Europe, and Africa — that thanks to football, we can move forward. We count on your support," — said Mr. Costa.