Slovenia’s Aleksander Ceferin was re-elected UEFA president for a new four-year term through 2027 at the continental federation’s Congress in Lisbon. The unanimous decision underscored Ceferin’s continued leadership as he enters his fourth stretch at the helm, having first taken charge in September 2016. He framed the moment as both an honor and a responsibility, signaling a renewed focus on European football unity, sporting merit, and the broad health of the game across the continent.
In reaffirming his tenure, Ceferin acknowledged a period marked by upheavals and reforms—from the pandemic’s shadow to the rise of new competitions and the ongoing geopolitical tensions that influence the sport. He pointed to changes such as a potential expansion of top-tier competitions and revised qualifying structures, noting how adjustments to the Champions League and the Nations League were shaping the calendar for clubs and national teams alike.
Ceferin, born October 13, 1967, in Grosuplje, Slovenia, hails from the Slovenian Football Federation (NZS). A graduate of the University of Ljubljana’s Faculty of Law, he spent years at his family’s law firm, eventually succeeding his father as director and dedicating himself to defending vulnerable individuals pro bono. His career in law spilled into sports governance, where he became known for handling professional athletes and club matters with a sharp legal eye.
Earlier in his professional arc, Ceferin represented the Gypsy Strojan family in 2006, a case that sparked political scrutiny and highlighted tensions with authorities at the time. His specialization—criminal and commercial law—proved instrumental in guiding sports organizations through complex regulatory landscapes.
By 2005, Ceferin was a member of the board of A.Ş. KMN Svea and led a futsal team and an amateur football squad in Slovenia, including FC Ljubljana Lawyers. He later joined the Executive Board of NK Olimpija Ljubljana, contributing to the club’s return to the Slovenian First Division in the 2009–10 season. He was elected president of the Slovenian Football Federation in February 2011 and was re-elected unopposed in February 2015, a sign of broad support for his approach to governance.
Under his leadership, the federation moved toward greater spectator engagement, expanded media coverage, and the establishment of a modern, well-equipped headquarters in Brdo pri Kranju, north of Ljubljana. His work also saw him serve as the federation’s second vice president at UEFA and as a member of FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, experiences that positioned him for the highest levels of European football administration.
Ceferin’s ascendancy to UEFA presidency came on September 14, 2016, when he defeated Michel Platini by a wide margin. His 2019 re-election at the Rome Congress—achieved with broad applause as the sole candidate—confirmed his leadership during a period of substantial reform and strategic realignment in European football. He signaled his intention to pursue another term in October 2022, a plan that culminated in the Lisbon reaffirmation.
During his tenure, UEFA implemented major structural changes to the Champions League for the 2024–25 cycle and beyond, while FIFA and UEFA acted in concert on sanctions that affected Russian clubs and national teams in response to ongoing geopolitical developments. Ceferin has consistently defended the significance of sporting merit and the integrity of competition against broader political and commercial pressures, stressing that a balanced, competitive landscape benefits all European football stakeholders.
In addressing concerns surrounding the so-called Super League, Ceferin has been vocal about the dangers perceived in attempts to fracture traditional competition models. He has argued that plans perceived as destabilizing could erode the core values of the sport and the trust of fans, players, and member associations. He has also highlighted the need for decisive action when governing frameworks are challenged by external agendas, insisting that football must remain rooted in fairness and the long-term health of the game. These positions have often aligned with a broader European stance on governance and accountability in sport, reflecting a commitment to structural integrity and the protection of competitive balance.
The ongoing legal and regulatory drama surrounding European football remains dynamic, with proceedings and potential rulings shaping the future of governance. The European Court of Justice and related national tribunals are anticipated to issue decisions that could impact how football authorities enforce rules and uphold fair play across borders. This legal dimension sits alongside the strategic decisions made by Leagues, clubs, and federations to navigate a rapidly changing global sports environment. In this context, Ceferin’s approach has been characterized by a steady emphasis on unity, meritocracy, and responsible leadership as the sport seeks sustainable growth and wide fan engagement. [citation needed: source attribution to UEFA and related governing bodies]
As a consequence of the pandemic, UEFA distributed substantial relief to federations and clubs, supporting the wider football ecosystem and reinforcing the organization’s solidarity ethos. This financial and organizational aid complemented initiatives aimed at advancing women’s football and environmental stewardship. A landmark strategy, Time for Action, has helped drive participation and growth, while the Football Sustainability Strategy 2030 reinforces commitments to human rights and ecological responsibility across European football. These actions illustrate Ceferin’s broader vision for a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking game. [citation needed: source attribution to UEFA sustainability programs]
Ceferin’s leadership has likewise connected football with humanitarian and charitable efforts, including provisions to support victims of disasters and crises through UEFA-backed initiatives. The federation’s ongoing focus on development, governance, and integrity continues to shape the trajectory of European football and its role on the global stage, reinforcing the sport’s appeal to fans, players, and stakeholders across Canada, the United States, and beyond.