UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin made a surprising announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2027, just one hour after controversial changes to the governing body’s statutes were approved. Ceferin stated that he is “tired of COVID, tired of two wars” and opposed the idea of a rival Super League, which he referred to as a “nonsense project.” Despite the recent changes that would have allowed him to run for office again, Ceferin expressed his desire to bring fresh leadership to the organization.
The vote on the amendments to extend term limits for the president and the members of the executive committee was carried out at UEFA’s Congress in Paris. The majority voted in favor of the changes, with only the English Football Association chief Mark Bullingham voting against them and Ukraine’s FA abstaining. Ceferin needed the support of at least two-thirds of the delegations to pass the motion. These changes were met with some controversy, with Ceferin acknowledging the division within UEFA.
Ceferin revealed that he had made the decision not to seek reelection around six months prior to the announcement. He cited the need for fresh leadership within the organization and emphasized the toll that being away from his family for an extended period has taken on him. Ceferin expressed his frustration with the challenges posed by COVID-19, conflicts, and the proposed Super League. He also criticized those who claim moral authority but act in their own self-interest when it suits them.
The amendments to the term limits have been met with criticism, particularly from UEFA’s former chief of football, Zvonimir Boban, who resigned in protest. Ceferin defended the changes, stating that they were necessary as the previous statutes were implemented without the vote of UEFA’s Congress. He dismissed Boban’s resignation as “pathetic” and asserted that the amendments were in the best interest of the organization.
Ceferin’s decision to step down as UEFA president in 2027 marks an important evolution in the leadership of the organization. The controversial changes to the governing body’s statutes have generated mixed reactions, highlighting the challenges and divisions within UEFA. As the organization prepares for a new era of leadership, the focus will now shift towards ensuring a smooth transition and addressing the pressing issues facing European football.
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