Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-08 15:27:49
Aleksander Ceferin announced on Thursday that he will not be running for a fourth term as UEFA president in 2027, despite the approval of controversial reforms that would have allowed him to extend his mandate. During a press conference following the UEFA Congress in Paris, Ceferin, a 56-year-old Slovenian lawyer, revealed that he made the decision about six months ago and cited the need for fresh leadership within the organization and a desire to spend more time with his family. He also expressed his weariness of dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and the proposed Super League, which he referred to as a “nonsense project”.
The announcement came shortly after UEFA member nations voted in favor of a series of statute amendments, including a measure that would have potentially allowed Ceferin to remain in his position until 2031. Ceferin intentionally kept his decision private before the vote took place to avoid influencing the Congress’s decision.
One of the key amendments passed stipulates that terms of office started or served before July 1, 2017, shall not be taken into account, effectively allowing Ceferin to potentially extend his tenure despite the three-term limit. This rule was introduced by Ceferin as an anti-corruption measure in the aftermath of the FIFA scandal.
While the vote received overwhelming support, with the exception of England, who dissented, and Ukraine, who abstained, it also led to the resignation of UEFA’s chief of football Zvonimir Boban, who opposed the idea of Ceferin running for a fourth term.
Despite claims of division and fragmentation within UEFA, Ceferin defended his leadership and emphasized the strength of unity within the organization. He also took the opportunity to criticize the individuals behind the Super League, likening the proposed competition to “Snow White’s poisoned apple” and emphasizing the importance of unity in facing challenges.
In addition to the decision regarding Ceferin’s potential extension, other statute changes were voted for, including proposals to guarantee greater female representation on UEFA’s ruling executive committee and the repeal of an age limit of 70 for committee members.
Ceferin’s announcement not to seek a fourth term as UEFA president has put an end to speculation that emerged after his suggestion that he might run again during an executive meeting in December. His decision reflects a desire for change and a new direction for UEFA, as well as a commitment to spending more time with his family.
