BELGRADE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The 49th UEFA Congress opened Thursday in Belgrade, marking the first time the event has been held in the Serbian capital.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin highlighted European football's role as a model of unity, citing Serbia and Albania's co-hosting of the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship as an example.

"European football is a movement that thrives on unity, diversity, and a shared purpose," he said. "This unity extends across every aspect of the sport, encompassing clubs and national teams, men and women of all ages, elites, and grassroots players."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Serbia's football tradition, calling it a "football nation" and recalling its U-20 World Cup victory in 2015 and the historic strength of Yugoslav football.

Serbia's acting Prime Minister Milos Vucevic officially opened the Congress, calling it a "great honor and privilege" for Serbia to host such a distinguished gathering. Quoting football legend Marco van Basten, he underscored the sport's unifying power.

Football Association of Serbia (FSS) President Dragan Dzajic welcomed attendees and highlighted the country's football achievements.

"Welcome to the home of European and world champions in 2013 and 2015, the European runners-up of 1968, the club champions of Europe and the world in 1991, and the European runners-up of 1966," he said. Enditem