UEFA, Concacaf sign landmark deal to grow the game

VANCOUVER, Canada (CMC):

In a historic move aimed at uniting two of the world’s most dynamic football regions, UEFA and Concacaf officially signed a new memorandum of onderstanding (MoU) on Wednesday, pledging to work hand-in-hand for the long-term development of the sport.

The historic agreement was inked by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani on the sidelines of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.

The partnership, which runs until June 2031, creates a flexible framework for cooperation across player development, coaching, refereeing, and administration.

“Europe and the Concacaf region are home to some of the world’s most diverse football cultures, from deep-rooted traditions to fast-growing, innovative environments,” said Čeferin. “By connecting these experiences, we can strengthen development pathways, raise standards and offer new opportunities throughout the game.”

Under the new deal, the cooperation goes far beyond ceremonial handshakes. Most notably, UEFA will invite boys’ and girls’ youth teams from Concacaf member associations to participate in selected European youth tournaments, fostering high-level competition and intercultural exchange.

Additionally, the MoU opens the door for reciprocal observer programmes at club finals and national team tournaments, collaboration on club licensing standards, and joint efforts in coach education, including exploratory talks on the mutual recognition of coaching qualifications.

Refereeing also takes centrestage. Match officials and instructors from both sides of the Atlantic will take part in youth tournaments, courses, and technical programmes, with FIFA-listed referees potentially crossing over to work in each other’s competitions.

The agreement is further bolstered by the “UEFA Together” programme, which will support long-term, tailored development projects between member associations of both confederations. Regular high-level strategic meetings will ensure the partnership stays on track.

“Football is at its best when it brings people together, creates opportunity, and helps our global communities grow,” Montagliani said. “Concacaf has made tremendous progress over the past decade, and partnerships like this help us continue raising standards while staying true to our responsibility to serve the game at every level.”