Altercation Ensues as UEFA Plot to Extend Aleksander Ceferin’s Reign as President Till 2031

Things are not quite harmonious in UEFA as the members remain divided over a big decision.  As per reports, UEFA is planning to extend the tenure of current president Aleksander Ceferin. Ceferin, the Solevian lawyer was elected as the president in 2016 and was set to exit the office in 2027 following 3 terms in office. However, as things stand he might be on course for an unprecedented 4th term as the president provided the association votes in favor of the proposed amendment.

Aleksander Ceferein succeeded Michel Platini as the president in 2016 after the latter was banned for accepting unauthorized payment from Sep Blatter. His election was a move that hinted at greater transparency and reform. Hence, the latest news is quite surprising.

UEFA’s proposed Ceferin plan revealed

UEFA has proposed an amendment that will extend the three-term limit for presidential officeholders to 4. This will see the Slovenian remain in charge till 2031, provided he wins the elections in 2017. Interestingly, it was Ceferin himself who introduced the three-term limit in his first year of office.  He also added a provision stating that an unexpired term would be counted as a full term while terms before 2017 won’t be counted.

The amendments have not yet been made public and will be put to vote by the 55 UEFA member countries in the upcoming Paris congress. A simple majority of 28 is needed to realize the proposed amendment.

Caferin’s move to extend his stay is the latest example of a trend in global sporting bodies. Previously, Fifa president  Gianni Infantino was elected until 2027 after his first 3 years were discounted from his term limit. Likewise, the IOC wants Thomas Bach to extend beyond his mandated tenure, set to expire in 2025.

Read More: What Will Happen to UEFA Player of the Year Award After UEFA’s Decision to Co-host Ballon d’Or?

However, Ceferin’s plans have not had the positive reception he would have hoped.

David Gill leads the protests against Ceferin

Gill, a former Manchester United chief executive was reportedly quite dismayed as the proposals were tabled last week. As per Mailsport, Gill also spoke out on the proposed changes at a UEFA meeting.  He stated that they are undemocratic and not aligned with soccer’s best interests.

Furthermore, Gill’s views align with Ceferin’s comments back in 2021. The Slovenian president had remarked that it’s wrong to stay too long and the importance of fresh blood and ideas. Hence, it looks like the UEFA president has made a u-turn on his views.

What is your opinion on Ceferin’s plan? Let us know in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space