ASTANA, Kazakhstan — Astana will host the 51st UEFA Congress on April 22, 2027, marking the first time Kazakhstan will stage the highest governing and legislative assembly of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
The Congress will bring together representatives from all 55 UEFA member national football associations, along with the UEFA President, members of the UEFA Executive Committee, delegates from FIFA, European leagues, club associations, and international sports organizations.
The 2027 Congress will hold particular significance as it will serve as an electoral congress, during which delegates will elect the UEFA President and members of the organization’s Executive Committee. Decisions adopted at the event are expected to shape the future direction of European football for the coming years.
Awarding Kazakhstan the right to host the Congress reflects UEFA’s confidence in the country’s ability to organize major international sporting events. According to the organizers, all operational expenses related to the Congress will be fully covered by UEFA.
The event represents another milestone in Kazakhstan’s long-term strategy to develop football nationwide. The country has been investing in modern sports infrastructure, expanding youth football programs, and implementing reforms aimed at improving the governance and financial sustainability of professional clubs.
As part of the first phase of the commercialization of professional football, 11 clubs have already transitioned to a new management model involving private investment. The total volume of investments has exceeded KZT 80 billion. An additional eight professional clubs are expected to undergo commercialization during the second phase of the reform program. Officials say the initiative has strengthened clubs’ financial stability and created new opportunities for the development of domestic football.
The announcement follows another significant development for Kazakh football. On August 4, French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) announced plans to establish a football academy in Kazakhstan. The arrival of one of the world’s leading football brands is expected to support the growth of youth football, introduce modern training methods, and enhance international cooperation in player development.
By hosting the UEFA Congress and attracting internationally recognized football institutions, Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its position on the European football map—not only as a venue for major international events but also as a country committed to the sustainable development of the sport at every level.