Jersey to argue case for UEFA membership next month

Sunday 28 May 2017

Jersey could gain up to €11.1 million in funding if it’s successful in its appeal to join UEFA this time next month.

On June 28, the Court of Arbitration for Sport will hear the Island’s case. A decision could take several weeks, however.

The Island had previously applied to join the Union of European Football Associations in 2015, following the example of Kosovo moving towards full membership, but failed in its application.

The football organisation only extends to countries viewed as ‘independent’ by member states of the United Nations. However, UEFA has now amended its statutes and Gibraltar was allowed to join in 2013.

Jersey want to emulate Gibraltar, who became full UEFA members in 2013, although it took the British Overseas Territory 12 years to fulfil their ambition.

The Island is already part of the English Football Association, but could receive funding worth millions of pounds every four years if the court upholds its appeal and allows the Island to join UEFA. 

Speaking last year, Jersey Football Association President Phil Austin commented:

“There is a lot of inconsistency involved with this whole international status issue. I think we accept that our case is going to take a long time, but we are determined to push it through because we believe the benefits Jersey will get from becoming a UEFA footballing nation would be enormous. The revenue that it would bring in would allow the sport to really flourish in the Island, from grass roots, to women's football, to the men's game.

"Football is in a really good place in Jersey but it could and would be so much better if we became part of UEFA's party. It would transform the game in Jersey."