UEFA: Gibraltar becomes a full member

On 24/05/2013, Gibraltar were named the 54^th member of UEFA after their nomination was accepted at the 37^th congress of the organisation in London.

The British overseas territory, located directly under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom, has a population of 29,244 (2010).

The Gibraltar Football Association first filed for membership in 1999, but their application was rejected by UEFA. 

In 2001, UEFA changed its regulations so that only independent countries recognised by the UN can become permanent members of UEFA. 

Gibraltar lodged an appeal with the TAS (Tribunal of Arbitration for Sport) in 2011. The tribunal ruled in their favour and UEFA accepted Gibraltar as a provisional member from October 2012. 

Gibraltar will first participate in the qualification for the Under-17 and Under-19 European Championships in 2014. 

The senior team will play its first official matches in qualifying for Euro 2016, starting in September 2014.