He Pointe Europe either Point Europe This is the football ground where the Gibraltar national team plays. League of Nations thanks to the favor of UEFA. A field that was not previously authorized for this type of matches and competitions, but which is now, due to the favorable treatment reserved for this British colony by the organization chaired by Ceferin. Clubs too Gibraltar qualified for the European qualifying rounds now play in this stadium.
To put us in context, Gibraltar registered as a full member of the UEFA in May 2013. It was agreed by UEFA Executive Committee by an absolute majority after the decision of the TAS in 2011, emphasizing that GFA (Gibraltar Football Association) “is entitled to full membership of UEFA and UEFA will take all necessary measures to admit them without delay.” THE GFA Its application for admission was submitted in 1997, but in 2007 it was rejected by the UEFA Congress. Finally, in 2013, she joined the European organization.
More than ten years later, Gibraltar is already consolidated within the UEFAeven though sportingly he could not develop much, playing big historical matches against teams like Germany, France, Holland, Wales or Scotland. Matches that were unthinkable a few years ago and which are now a reality. The relationship with UEFA seems exceptional in view of recent events. It is also necessary to emphasize here the sanction of UEFA to Rodri and Morata after the complaint of GFA for the chants during the European Cup celebration last summer.
Since this season, the Gibraltar selection plays his games in the Pointe Europe after the favor of UEFAwhich turns a blind eye to the British colony team, allowing it to play international matches in a stadium that would be illegal in any other country and this for the team itself UEFA Previously, it was not suitable for this type of meeting.
This is Europa Point
A multi-purpose football field, with artificial turf, where football is also played. rugby and to cricket. It is located on the other side of the Rock, in the area furthest from Gibraltar regarding the border with Spain. Sources consulted by this newspaper tell us that these facilities are the best they have with a turf which, although artificial, costs just over a million euros. It opened its doors in 2021 and the idea of GFA is to improve it further with work paid by UEFA of more than a million euros with the idea of adding more stands.
But the reality is that today it can only accommodate around 700 spectators, although very few people attend national team matches. Gibraltar. In friendly against Moldova Last Tuesday (1-1), the attendance was very low. And this happens in almost every game. They also don’t need an 8,000 capacity stadium like they wanted to do with Victoria Stadium.
While Gibraltar continue to play in League D of the Nations League, or even in League C, everything indicates that the UEFA He will thus continue to help the Gibraltar team. A preferential treatment that he does not have with other teams, since San Marino or Liechtensteinrivals from the same group during recent international breaks, do indeed have stadiums that meet all the requirements that were previously required and it now appears that this is no longer the case.
In the images published by this newspaper you can perfectly see the current appearance of the facilities of the Pointe Europe. For playing football and the occasional party, it’s a great ground. With a good lawn and good sports facilities. But also rugby and cricket. But the reality is that as a football stadium it leaves a lot to be desired. The facility is not up to par with what it has always demanded and required. UEFA. Be very demanding and force football clubs to go into exile to compete in their competitions.
UEFA’s favor in Gibraltar
In fact, the very selection of Gibraltar had to go into exile Lighthouse to play their official and friendly matches (also football clubs that participate in European competitions). This happened because Gibraltar He played his matches in the Victoria Stadium when they promised a renovation which never happened. And it still hasn’t arrived.
THE UEFA “he said enough” and forced Gibraltar play their games in Lighthouse (Portugal). An exemption from the organization which is submitted to the Gibraltar team to carry out improvements to their stadium. If he cheats again UEFA, They will have to go into exile again. And everything suggests that these improvements will be made in the Pointe Europesince Victoria still presents no changes compared to the project promised by the GFA.
“One of the key factors in UEFA granting the exemption was the progress made on the new Victoria Stadium project, updates on which we hope to be able to announce soon,” said the GFA in May this year. This progress still does not exist.
A failed project from ten years ago
Michael LamasPresident of the GFA, said in September 2023 that they “look forward to the completion of these facilities (at Victoria Stadium) so that we can finally host important UEFA and FIFA matches in a category stadium 4 of UEFA in first class, compliant, right. here in Gibraltar. This dream, which has been brewing since we became full members of UEFA, is becoming a reality. “This project will consolidate our status as a football nation.” A year later, there is no trace of these works. And as he says himself, a stadium “that respects the rules” is what he does not achieve with the help of a UEFA who continues to wait and help this federation.
It should also be remembered that this Point Europe already suffered a failed project between 2013 and 2015, when Gibraltar It became a full member of UEFA, where the GFA lost over a million euros. And nothing was done. Money which was to be used for the development of football in the British colony. One more key to getting an idea of the arts used by this Federation, which continues to use the favors of UEFA to compete on their territory even if they do not meet the requirements. This project was never realized and presented an idea for a super stadium. As is currently the case at the Victoria Stadium. Lots of promises and few realities.
Gibraltar Communiqué in May 2024
Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Football Association are pleased to announce that UEFA has today exceptionally accepted the Gibraltar Football Association’s request to use the Europa Point Stadium to host:
· 2024 UEFA Nations League and corresponding friendlies.
· UEFA Champions League qualifiers (first, second and third round).
· UEFA Conference League qualifiers (first, second and third round).
All three exemptions are subject to infrastructure improvements and Gibraltar Football Association-funded works being carried out at the Europa Point Stadium.
Regarding club competitions, it is important to note that UEFA reserves the right to request an alternative venue if a match is considered high risk from a security perspective.
