Statement from Aleksander Ceferin ahead of EURO 2024: Poised to be epic

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, in a statement on the UEFA website ahead of EURO 2024, which begins tonight with the match between hosts Germany and Scotland, said, "EURO 2024 is finally here. It is impossible not to feel the enthusiasm and excitement brought by such a magnificent football festival. Since its inception in 1960, the championship has become one of the most exciting sporting events in the world. This summer is poised to be epic, with 24 teams preparing for intense competition, dreaming of making history and winning the Henri Delaunay trophy."

Emphasizing that the tournament is attracting interest from all over the world, Ceferin added, "Last year, over 50 million ticket requests were made in just two sales periods, and a record 146 thousand volunteer applications were received. This underscores the high anticipation for this truly global event. Now, let us enjoy this magical summer of football in the spirit of fair play and respect, and create unforgettable memories together. Let us unite through football."

Noting that Germany promises to be an excellent host, Ceferin said, "Germany, famous for its rich football heritage, has extraordinary infrastructure, including state-of-the-art stadiums. UEFA, the German Football Association, and federal and local government structures are working in cooperation to organize an event that honors democracy, respect, tolerance, and human rights. I would like to thank everyone who contributed, from our sponsors to our partners and suppliers, for their incredible support and commitment to our mission."