UEC representatives were received by Slovak clubs in Bratislava
UEC representatives were received by Slovak clubs in Bratislava on Tuesday 25th July.
The meeting was hosted by the Slovak First Football League president, Mr Ivan Kozak and its CEO, Mr Michal Mertinyak, who expressed strong support for the initiative, and attended by 10 clubs - “This is about Slovak clubs having their voice heard within a system and being able to present their issues, and have the ability to play a part in the decision-making process of the game. The UEC offers this opportunity to Slovak clubs.”
During the meeting, Dennis Gudasic, the UEC's co-founder said "Clubs who are a focal point in their communities as is the case with Slovakian clubs are the heart of club football, and Slovakian clubs fulfil an important role in Slovakian society. Their ability to progress is relative to their ability to be represented. The UEC offers them this opportunity and helps solve a burning problem in football governance by truly representing clubs of all sizes.”
Katarina Pijetlovic, the UEC General Secretary explained - “It is crucial that small and medium sized clubs gain a voice. Over the past decades football has become increasingly a game of the elite, this trend needs to be reversed or the beautiful game will suffer irreparable harm. The UEC will be a constructive partner for UEFA in their valuable stakeholder engagement model which is based on seeking accommodation with all the stakeholders."
The discussion highlighted the importance of preserving and enhancing national league competitions and the principle of solidarity as a key tool for the survival of Slovak football.
The UEC looks forward to a strong relationship with clubs from Slovakia in the next phase of our development.
