Slovenian governing figure Alexander Ceferin has formally announced his intention to seek another term as president of UEFA, with plans to stand for re-election at the upcoming congress scheduled to take place in Portugal in 2023. The confirmation follows a period of outreach where Ceferin connected with officials from diverse national associations to discuss the future direction of European football and the federation’s agenda for the next cycle. The personal announcement came after he received numerous messages of support from member associations across Europe, underscoring a broad base of backing for continuity in leadership at UEFA.
Born in Ljubljana fifty four years ago, Ceferin’s early career saw him establish himself within Slovenian football governance before moving onto the international stage. His ascent began with leadership of the Slovenian Football Association, a role in which he demonstrated a capacity to unite stakeholders and to advocate for modernization within the sport. Ceferin’s election as UEFA president occurred on 14 September 2016, when he won the presidency by a decisive margin, defeating the Dutch candidate Michael van Praag with a wide majority that reflected strong confidence from the federation’s member associations.
In 2019, Ceferin was re-elected as president at the 43rd Ordinary Congress held in Rome, marking a period of renewed mandate supported by the European football community. The result was announced with broad applause from delegates, signaling a continuation of his vision for governance that emphasizes stability and reform in European competitions, governance structures, and the global sport model.
The federation has continued to report progress on a range of strategic initiatives, including work groups focused on reviewing and shaping the future formats of both men’s and women’s European Championships, as well as their qualification pathways. These efforts aim to ensure competitiveness, accessibility, and sustainability across the continent, with ongoing dialogue among member associations to align on shared goals.
Additionally, during the last gathering of the Senior Managers Program in 2021, associations were authorized to advance proposals aimed at strengthening the sustainable development of football and reinforcing core sporting values. This program brings together senior executives to discuss governance, youth development, and long-term planning for the sport, underscoring UEFA’s commitment to responsible stewardship and ethical standards.
Throughout his tenure, Ceferin has emphasized collaboration with member associations, stakeholders, and partner organizations to safeguard the European sport model and address policy questions related to governance, integrity, and reforms. UEFA has continued to provide updates on legal and regulatory matters, including proceedings at the level of the European Court of Justice, as it seeks to preserve the integrity of competition and ensure fair play across all UEFA competitions.
The ongoing work under Ceferin’s leadership also places emphasis on youth development, infrastructure investments, and the modernization of competition formats to adapt to changing audience needs and new media landscapes. By fostering dialogue, transparency, and accountability, the UEFA presidency aims to balance a rich heritage with modern governance practices and forward-looking strategies for European football.
Observers note that the leadership team has maintained a proactive approach to safeguarding the European sport model while navigating the broader dynamics of international football, including interactions with FIFA on related governance and regulatory issues. This long-term view seeks to align European football with global standards while preserving the competitive, cultural, and social importance of the game across the continent.
In sum, the leadership transition remains a focal point for European football governance, with Ceferin positioned to guide UEFA through an era of ongoing reform, continued growth, and renewed commitment to the values that define the sport. The federation’s presidents and senior executives continue to work together to implement strategies that promote fair competition, innovation, and the enduring appeal of football in Europe. [Source: UEFA]