The President of the Union of European Football Associations, Aleksander Ceferin, has declared that he will not seek re-election as president in 2027. Despite amendments allowing for an extended term until 2031, Ceferin cited family reasons for his decision.
“After seven years away from my family and with another three years to come, I’ve decided not to pursue another term,” Ceferin informed reporters following a UEFA congress in Paris.
His choice comes amidst controversy, notably UEFA’s chief of football Zvonimir Boban’s departure over Ceferin’s support for statutory changes. The amendments, passed during the congress, enabled a potential extension of Ceferin’s tenure.
“I made this decision six months ago, recognizing the need for fresh perspectives within organizations. Moreover, spending seven years away from my family underscored the importance of prioritizing personal life,” Ceferin remarked at a press briefing.
England’s Football Association notably dissented from the statutory changes, with CEO Mark Bullingham symbolically protesting the decision during the congress. Despite the challenges, Ceferin expressed gratitude for his experiences in football, both professionally and personally.
