UEFA has held invaluable strategic talks in Cyprus with its 53 national associations which will help European football's governing body set the course for the future in a variety of areas.

The presidents and general secretaries of the member associations came to Limassol for two days of discussions and dialogue focusing on, for example, the European competitions, women's football and the international match calendar.

"At [UEFA] Congresses, we don't have the opportunity to have discussions with the national associations," said UEFA President Michel Platini on Thursday. "Here, the 53 were present – we were able to let them speak and express themselves about their needs."

The international match calendar was a key item for discussion. "Support was given for a calendar which is made up of double-headers – two matches – rather than single friendlies, in particular the single friendlies in August, which is an issue for many stakeholders," said UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino. "Now the process of consultation is going on, the international match calendar being a FIFA issue. It is valid for the entire world, so Europe has something to propose pro-actively, but ultimately FIFA will take the decision."

At its meeting in Limassol on Thursday, the UEFA Executive Committee also gave fresh impetus to the drive to improve refereeing across Europe by giving a green light to the extension of the UEFA Convention on Referee Education and Organisation from 2012 to 2016, UEFA said on its official website.