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Uefa Congress in Belgrade: Ceferin’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
As Uefa’s delegates gathered at Sava Centar in Belgrade, the contrast with last year’s grand congress in Paris was evident. This year’s venue prioritized functionality over aesthetics, highlighting a shift in focus that many stakeholders believe is necessary for the future of European football. The discussions taking place in the low-ceilinged room were overshadowed by ongoing concerns that have long plagued the sport.
The previous congress saw Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin take center stage, where he surprised many by pushing through an extension of his term limit, only to announce his intention to step down by 2027 shortly thereafter. This upheaval followed the departure of Zvonimir Boban, Uefa’s head of football, creating a palpable sense of unease within the organization as larger structural issues continued to loom large.
In this year’s meeting, Ceferin appeared less eager to discuss his future within Uefa. When questioned about a potential candidacy for a fourth term, he opted for silence instead of speculation. Twelve months of leadership fatigue sparked by high-stakes negotiations left some wondering if he felt rejuvenated or simply reluctant to share. Interestingly, those who once openly critiqued Uefa’s status quo seemed more aligned with Ceferin’s vision, with numerous federations expressing a preference for his continued leadership. An emerging narrative within Uefa implies that a promising political position in Slovenia might be the only significant reason for Ceferin to consider stepping away.
The landscape surrounding the leadership challenge appears sparse, with few credible candidates emerging. Lise Klaveness, newly appointed to the executive committee, has been mentioned as a potential contender, though her prospects remain uncertain. Additionally, the celebrated former player Andriy Shevchenko, despite initial support, faced setbacks in securing executive committee votes, highlighting the political complexities within Uefa’s structure.
As the potential for continuity looms, the organization seems to be reaffirming confidence in Ceferin’s capabilities, evident in the £335,000 salary increase he received for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Many are encouraged by the recent success of the revamped Champions League, although there remains the possibility for adjustments to its format. The congress included presentations emphasizing its benefits, as Ceferin defended Uefa against its critics, referring to them as “voices of doubt” aiming to undermine its efforts.
Ceferin described Uefa’s competitions as “harmonious symphonies,” pointing to a largely successful Euro 2024 and the captivating quarter-finals of the Nations League as evidence of solid governance. Nevertheless, financial and competitive disparities among clubs persist, exacerbated by various external pressures. Fortunately for Uefa, momentum behind a proposed Super League has waned, although discussions continue. A22, the organization behind the Super League idea, recently unveiled another plan, but it has failed to gain traction. Ceferin’s allies believe that he has effectively navigated these turbulent waters.
The Uefa president has also maintained a firm stance against allowing Russian teams to return until the ongoing conflict in Ukraine concludes, although he privately supports easing restrictions on youth teams. In contrast, Fifa President Gianni Infantino has signaled a willingness to move forward with reintegration efforts. Ceferin’s reticence on issues like Israel’s participation in competitions amid geopolitical tensions showcases the delicate nature of his leadership.
While Ceferin’s approach may appear defensive, Infantino’s more enthusiastic rhetoric garnered headlines and highlighted a noticeable divergence in their leadership styles. Infantino’s successful procurement of funding for initiatives like the Club World Cup contrasts with Ceferin’s cautious navigation through politically charged waters. The ongoing rivalry between Uefa and Fifa suggests that Ceferin will face increasing challenges, especially with Fifa’s intentions to leverage large international tournaments at the expense of domestic calendars.
Looking ahead, Ceferin may need to forge new strategies to keep Uefa relevant in an evolving football landscape. A surge of seven-a-side tournaments, including the upcoming World Sevens Football event during the Women’s Champions League final week, poses competition for traditional formats. Such innovations prioritize individual performance over community engagement, and some suggest that Uefa could consider launching its own shorter-format tournaments to reassert its influence in the sport.
For now, Ceferin holds a steadier position, declaring, “We do not divide but unite; we do not seize power but empower.” The clock ticks on whether he will voluntarily yield his authority in the face of an evolving football governance landscape.
Source
www.theguardian.com