Aleksander Ceferin, the president of UEFA, declared he would not run for office again in 2027.
Despite a resolution by UEFA to amend its regulations to permit the Slovenian to remain and serve out his term, the statement was made.
The 56-year-old was permitted to run again and could hold onto his position until 2031. When Ceferin’s current term finishes in 2027, he will have served as UEFA president for more than ten years, breaking the record.
But after officially announcing his departure, the current president of European football will now depart the organisation. The Football Association of England was one of the few domestic organisations to vote against Ceferin’s reelection.
“I decided around six months ago that I am not planning to run in 2027,” Ceferin confirmed on Thursday. “The reason is that after some time every organisation needs fresh blood, but mainly because I was away from my family for seven years now.
“I intentionally didn’t want to disclose my thoughts before, because firstly, I wanted to see the real face of some people and I saw it. I have a beautiful life in football, I have a beautiful life outside of football as well.”
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A UEFA president was not allowed to serve more than three terms in the past. However, a motion to amend the regulations to allow him to keep his post was approved by 49 of the 55 UEFA associations.
Everything started when Zvonimir Boban, the technical director of UEFA, resigned in January amid rumours that Ceferin would be appointed to a second term. Boban stated that it was “beyond comprehension” to see a “shift away” from the principles of the governing body.
After announcing his intention to leave, Ceferin answered to this. He labelled Boban’s position a “pathetic cry” and asserted that Boban knew he did not run for reelection. He added: “He could not wait because, after my disclosure, his whining would not make sense.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
