The Football Association of Wales was honoured to welcome UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin to its headquarters at Hensol in the Vale of Glamorgan ahead of the UEFA EURO 2028 Tournament Launch in London.
The visit provided an opportunity for UEFA to learn more about the continued growth of football in Wales and the FAW’s long-term vision to further strengthen the game across the nation.
Welcome from FAW Leadership and Cymru Icons
Čeferin was hosted by FAW CEO Noel Mooney and welcomed by Cymru legend Ian Rush, Women’s National Team Manager Rhian Wilkinson, and FAW President Mike Jones. The UEFA President toured the FAW’s high-performance facilities before observing Craig Bellamy preparing his Cymru Men’s National Team for November’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia. During the session, Dr David Adams, FAW Chief of Football and Technical Director, provided insight into the team’s tactical preparation.
Highlighting the Growth of Football in Wales
The delegation then visited nearby Hensol Castle, where Noel Mooney delivered an overview of the FAW’s strategic work, the rising popularity of football in Wales, and the remarkable expansion of the women’s and girls’ game, now the nation’s fastest-growing team sport. The UEFA President praised the progress being made in Wales, drawing parallels with his own experience of developing football in Slovenia – another nation of similar size with a strong football identity.
Visit to the Senedd and Meeting with Welsh Government Leaders
Men’s National Team captain Ben Davies joined the UEFA President as the delegation travelled to Cardiff Bay for a visit to the Senedd. They were greeted by Elin Jones MS, the Llywydd of the Senedd, before a meeting with First Minister Eluned Morgan.
Discussions also included Jack Sargeant MS (Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership), Cllr Huw Thomas (Leader of Cardiff Council) and Jason Thomas (Director of Visit Wales, Event Wales and Creative Wales). The conversation focused on the importance of football and wider sport to the wellbeing and health of the nation, and Wales’ collective ambition to continue showcasing itself on the world stage.
Čeferin also reflected on his connection with the country, recalling that the first UEFA Champions League Final he attended as UEFA President was in Cardiff in 2017.
Looking Ahead to UEFA EURO 2028 at The National Stadium of Wales
The UEFA President concluded his visit at The National Stadium of Wales, the venue set to host the opening match of UEFA EURO 2028. The delegation met with Gavin Marshall (WRU Chief Operating Officer) and Alex Luff (Head of Event Sales and Operations), who provided an overview of the stadium and expressed their excitement at welcoming fans from across Europe in 2028.
UEFA EURO 2028
Find out more including the match schedule and possible economic impact
Opening match in Cardiff
The National Stadium of Wales will host opening match at UEFA EURO 2028
