Laura McAllister will run unopposed in her election for the Uefa executive committee’s designated female position, marking the first time a Welsh representative will stand on the top decision-making body as well as the first-ever woman from a footballing background.
McAllister’s uncontested candidacy was announced on Thursday after the deadline for nominations passed on February 5. The former Wales captain is set to be officially elected to the prestigious footballing board on April 5.
McAllister, who also serves as deputy chairperson of Uefa’s women’s football committee and is a member of the Uefa working group on gender equality, lauded the opportunity as another example of Wales’ enterprising and pioneering agenda on the international football stage.
“Welsh football is breaking through a lot of glass ceilings currently and joining the UEFA executive committee will be a tremendous achievement for the FAW and a very proud moment for me and my family,” McAllister said. “Once I am officially elected to the executive committee at the Congress in April, I will give all I have to working to improve European football and I look forward to contributing towards a bright future for football for everyone in our beautiful game. I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey so far, and to the FAW for nominating me for the Uefa executive committee.”
Speaking to WalesOnline in January, McAllister outlined her ambitions if elected to the vacancy and outlined how a successful outcome would see Wales draw significant financial benefits due to the internal influence which comes with the post, which she described as “the most powerful lever in European football”, with incredible influence over Champions League and European Championship decision-making.
FAW CEO Noel Mooney hailed McAllister’s imminent election as another groundbreaking milestone in the governing body’s long-term plan.
“The FAW strategy ‘Our Wales’ commits to having our voice at the top tables of European and world football,” Mooney said. “When Laura’s position on the UEFA executive committee is formally confirmed in April, we will have achieved yet another huge milestone in our strategy, with Laura becoming the first ever person from Cymru on a Uefa or Fifa board in the history of the Football Association of Wales."
He added: “The FAW represents a modern, progressive nation and I know that Laura’s knowledge and experience will prove a huge asset to the wide and diverse European football family. She will also positively represent Cymru and Welsh football.”
The election of the Uefa executive committee is scheduled to take place on April 5 at the 47th Ordinary Congress in Lisbon.
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