FIFA and UEFA: “Croatia among most successful in Europe”

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

ZAGREB, 25 April 2024 – The regular assembly of the Croatian Football Federation was held today at the Hilton Garden Inn in Zagreb. 

Speeches were given during the assembly by the Regional Coordinator for European National Associations at FIFA, the Advisor for National Associations at UEFA, as well as the State Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia, and the Secretary-General of the Croatian Olympic Committee.

On behalf of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Marion Gavat, the Regional Coordinator for European National Associations at FIFA, addressed the audience. 

“I convey greetings from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the FIFA leadership. I want to thank the Croatian team for participating in the inaugural FIFA Series tournament and congratulate you on your triumph in Egypt. Croatian football needs no introduction – we have witnessed your great successes in the last two World Cups, and your prominent players are among the world’s legends.

What can we say about a country of four million people that has won silver and bronze medals in two consecutive World Cups? When it comes to investing in football, we are pleased to have participated together in numerous projects through the FIFA Forward program. 

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

The developmental tournament Vlatko Marković is worth mentioning, and we believe that we will see some players from that tournament in future World Cups. I wish your team all the best in UEFA Euro 2024, as well as your women’s team in the European Championship qualifiers. Thank you for developing men’s and women’s football so effectively, and you will continue to have FIFA’s strong support in this endeavor,” said Gavat.

Likewise, wishing Croatia luck at the upcoming European Championship in Germany, on behalf of UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, UEFA Advisor for National Associations Jozef Kliment stated:

”I convey greetings from UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and the UEFA leadership; it is my pleasure to be back in Zagreb. This summer, Europe’s eyes will be on Germany and undoubtedly an unforgettable Euro. Balancing grassroots football with professional football and elite competitions is at the core of UEFA’s new strategy. 

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

UEFA aims to continue developing our sport across Europe by involving people at all levels of football. We are confident that this strategy will result in further football development in all UEFA member countries. Croatia is certainly among the most successful countries in Europe. With three medals from World Cups and a silver medal in the Nations League, Croatia is truly exceptional.

Such success doesn’t come by chance; your country is globally renowned for its selective process and youth work. These young talents also need optimal conditions for development. 

Therefore, the development of football infrastructure remains one of the strategic goals of the Croatian Football Federation. You have installed a large number of artificial pitches, as well as hybrid pitches in first-league stadiums. We are also pleased with the agreement on the construction of the Croatian Football Federation’s training camp, and we see concrete steps taken in that regard. 

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

We are glad that UEFA can support such projects through the Hat-Trick program. I congratulate you on all these achievements and wish you all the best, especially to the national team at Euro 2024, which starts in less than two months. UEFA is on your side, and you can always count on our support,” Kliment said.

The Croatian Football Federation can also count on the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, as confirmed by State Secretary Josip Pavić on behalf of the ministry. 

“When I was considering what to convey, I concluded that I could paraphrase the legendary Ćiro Blažević – I delude myself that I know something about sports – and during my time in the Ministry of Sports, I have been convinced that the HNS is the locomotive of Croatian sports, both in terms of management and the results you achieve. 

(Photo: Drago Sopta/HNS)

You show great responsibility towards other sports, from academic to school sports, and for that, we thank you. We will support you in infrastructure development and other projects, and you continue to do quality work as you have done so far. Of course, I hope that we will together celebrate the successes of the Croatian national team at Euro 2024,” Pavić said.

On behalf of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Secretary-General Siniša Krajač delivered a speech. “I greet you on behalf of our Olympic family. It’s already difficult for me to find words of praise for the Croatian Football Federation when I come to your assembly, so I can only once again commend your work and all your coaches, players, and representatives. 

You have branded our country in a special way. With great wishes for further success, especially to coach Dalić at the upcoming Euro, we in the Croatian Olympic Committee would also like to succeed in qualifying for the Olympic Games someday so that we have the opportunity to complete our collection of football medals,” Krajač concluded.