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UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has announced his decision to stand down at the end of his current tenure without contesting in an election for another term
In a significant announcement from Paris on February 8, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin declared his decision not to seek re-election in 2027, citing a desire for more family time and expressing exhaustion from the challenges of his tenure, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and controversies surrounding proposals for a so-called super league.
Ceferin announces intention to step down without re-election
Ceferin, who has been at the helm of European soccer's governing body since 2016, taking over from Michel Platini, has been a transformative figure for UEFA. Elected for a second term in 2019 and again for a third term last year, his leadership saw the introduction of a 12-year limit on the UEFA presidency, a limit he helped establish. Despite an amendment passed allowing him an extension, Ceferin has opted for a departure from the role, prioritizing personal over professional commitments.
"The reason is that after some time every organization needs fresh blood, but mainly because I was away from my family for seven years now and I will be away from them for another three years," Ceferin explained, highlighting the personal sacrifices made during his tenure.
Ceferin's tenure has been marked by significant challenges, including the global impact of COVID-19 on sports, the suspension of Russian soccer teams following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the Israel-Hamas conflict affecting match schedules. Moreover, his leadership was pivotal in April 2021 when UEFA took a stand against the formation of a Super League by 12 clubs, a move that threatened the traditional structure of European football.
Summary of Ceferin’s UEFA presidency
Despite these challenges, Ceferin's leadership has not been without controversy. Criticism arose after a UEFA executive committee meeting in Hamburg in December, where Ceferin was accused of supporting changes to UEFA's statutes that would enable him to extend his term. This amendment to Article 69 would have disregarded Ceferin's initial partial term following Platini's resignation, a move opposed by the English Football Association among others at the Congress.
Ceferin's decision not to disclose his intention to step down sooner was strategic, aiming to observe the true colors of his colleagues and not influence the Congress's decisions. "I intentionally didn't want to disclose my thoughts for two reasons, first I wanted to see the real face of some people and I saw it, I saw good and bad," he stated, emphasizing his desire for an honest decision-making process within UEFA.
The Slovenian's announcement has stirred the football world, underlining his commitment to integrity and the well-being of the sport over personal power. His refusal to extend his presidency despite the opportunity reflects a commendable prioritization of personal values and the welfare of European football. As UEFA looks toward the future, Ceferin's tenure will be remembered for its significant contributions to the sport, even as he steps away for the sake of fresh leadership and to reunite with his family.
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