UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) is not just an organization conducting European cups. It is the engine, motor, and regulator of football across the continent. Founded in 1954 in Basel, it now unites 55 national associations. Without UEFA, European football would be like the Wild West: without rules, without a single calendar, without fair distribution of money. UEFA has given the world the Champions League, the Euros, the club licensing system, and the financial fair-play program. Let's understand its contribution.The Champions League: the quintessence of club footballThe European Cup (since 1992 — the Champions League) is UEFA's main offspring. A tournament that gathers the best clubs in Europe. The famous anthem, the "Ears" (the cup), finals attracting hundreds of millions of viewers. The Champions League has raised the prestige of club football to an unreachable height, turning it into a global show. Without UEFA, there would be no "Real Madrid" with 14 titles, "Milan", "Bayern", "Liverpool". The prize funds of the tournament reach 2 billion euros, which are distributed among the clubs.The UEFA European Championship: a festival of national teamsThe Euros (UEFA European Championship) is the second most significant tournament in the world after the World Cup. It was first held in 1960. Since then, it has grown to 24 teams. The Euros have given us unforgettable moments: the Danish "miracle" in 1992, the Greek sensation in 2004, Portugal's determined victory in 2016. UEFA conducts qualifying cycles, organizes the final stages, promotes women's football (the UEFA Women's Championship). The Euros also stimulate the development of infrastructure in host countries (stadiums, roads, hotels).The Nations League: a new look at friendly matchesIn 2018, UEFA launched the Nations League — a tournament intended to replace boring friendly matches of national teams. It divides teams into divisions, gives a chance to weak teams to rise, and strong teams to fight for ... Read more