International update: Frank Paauw joins UEFA Executive Committee and appeal to politicians

Frank Paauw flanked by his predecessors on the UEFA Executive Committee: Just Spee (left) and Michael van Praag. - Foto: KNVB Media

The KNVB also plays an important role in international football. So was association president Frank Paauw at the last UEFA congress and we made an appeal to politicians to keep investing in proven effective social initiatives like WorldCoaches. An update.

Frank Paauw elected to UEFA Executive Committee

On 3 April 2025, Frank Paauw was elected to the UEFA Executive Committee during the UEFA Congress in Belgrade. He thus follows in the footsteps of previous Dutch representatives and becomes the seventh Dutchman on this strategic governing body. Paauw considers his appointment an honour and underlines the importance of this role for the Netherlands. The UEFA Executive Committee sets the strategic direction of the European Football Association and makes decisions on regulation, competition design and the development of European football.

The new appointment immediately appeals to the international agenda. It began in Bilbao with the UEFA Executive Committee meeting, where key decisions were taken ahead of UEFA EURO 2028. The format of the qualifiers remains familiar, although a safety net is provided for the host countries. Also discussed were a revamped reward scheme for clubs who hand over players, wider player lists for the Nations League Finals in 2025 and the continuation of the standing-room programme in certain countries.

The Business Case for Women's Football

The morning before the UEFA Women's Champions League final, UEFA's ‘The Business Case for Women's Football’ symposium took place, led by Nadine Keßler and others. The symposium featured insights on rising ratings, sponsorship opportunities, fan engagement and the economic impact of women's football. The conclusion was clear: women's football is developing rapidly and following a clear strategic course.

A fitting finale to a week in which football showed how it connects people, inspires them and continues to develop constantly - both on and off the pitch.

New formats European leagues

On 30 May, the KNVB president joined UEFA's Club Competitions Committee. As vice-chairman of the committee, Frank Paauw spoke about the state of affairs and future of the European Club Competitions. On the agenda: evaluation of the updated formats of the Conference League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League. The conclusion? More goals, fewer draws, more excitement as well as unexpected successes. A clear signal that innovation within football works - and pays off.

KNVB supports motion to retain WorldCoaches programme

On 27 May, MP Mpanzu Bamenga (D66) tabled a motion to retain government subsidies for the KNVB WorldCoaches programme. The KNVB supports this initiative because of the programme's major impact on the international position of the Netherlands and the promotion of health and social progress.

WorldCoaches: more than football

The KNVB WorldCoaches programme is a global initiative that uses football as a tool for social development. Coaches are trained not only to impart sporting skills, but also to act as role models in their communities. In addition, the programme contributes to diplomacy and international trade, with missions in Vietnam, India, Australia and China. Football is a universal language that breaks down barriers and strengthens lasting relationships between countries.

Gijs de Jong, secretary general of the KNVB, stresses the importance of continuity: "It is a shame to lose proven effective programmes. For 15 years, the KNVB has been working on international development, trade and diplomacy. Together with our government partners, we hope to find appropriate solutions to continue this."

Call to politicians

The KNVB remains committed to the international positioning of the Netherlands through football. Whether in diplomacy, trade, health promotion or social development, football opens doors and creates opportunities. The association calls on politicians to continue investing strategically in proven effective programmes.

With a clear vision of the future and concrete plans, the KNVB remains a driving force in the development of football - not only on the fields, but also in society.

FIFA congress Paraguay

The KNVB delegation attended decision-making on finance and regulation and liaised with football associations worldwide.

Three-day congress in Asuncion Paraguay:

• Official dinner at president's palace
• Formal congress with decision-making on finance and regulations, as well as updates from Arsene Wenger, Jill Ellis, Pierluigi Colina on football development and arbitration.
• Outside the formal/ official agenda dozens of interactions with fellow federations both inside and outside Europe. So from New Zealand to Qatar and from South Africa to Canada.

Trade mission USA/Mexico

In May, the KNVB participated in the STIB-US (TEXMEX) trade mission, part of the SportsNL programme. STIB-US, which stands for Sports Tech Innovation Bridge to the US, aims to support Dutch sports tech companies in exploring and entering sports markets in the United States and Mexico.

Together with KNVB #11 partners SciSports, USF Sport and Sorama, Dallas, Houston and Mexico City were visited. The mission included meetings with local stakeholders and visits to the three World Cup stadiums. In Mexico, a networking reception was also held at the residence of the Dutch ambassador, with FIFA, love.fútbol and Signify, among others. Made possible in part by RVO, NBSOs and embassies, the trip provided valuable contacts and new opportunities towards the 2026 World Cup.

Other international KNVB activities

In addition to the UEFA Congress and WorldCoaches initiatives, among others, the KNVB was actively involved in several international events:

• UEFA VAR symposium: KNVB experts discussed the Netherlands' pioneering VAR and possible improvements
• Soccerex in Amsterdam: The KNVB presented its progressive and innovative vision of international football and is working on bids for UEFA EURO U19 and FIFA WWC U20
• International KNVB programmes: New initiatives in Jordan, Uganda, Indonesia, Lebanon and Ter Apel, using sport for social progress