Aleksander Čeferin, the current president of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), has announced that he will run for re-election, reversing his previous decision not to seek another term. Čeferin made the announcement during a meeting of the UEFA National Associations in Berlin, Germany, on October 8, 2026. He stated that he will stand for election at the 51st UEFA Ordinary Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan, on April 22, 2027.
Čeferin's decision to run for re-election comes after a unanimous request from the 55 European national football associations to reconsider his position. He emphasized that his goal is to continue working to unify European football and strengthen the sport. Čeferin also highlighted that he wants to prepare the union for the next generation. His term would extend beyond 2027 if he is re-elected.
During the Berlin meeting, Čeferin discussed the future of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the international governing body of football. The European associations, except for the Azerbaijan Football Association, agreed on a set of proposals to reform FIFA's governance structure. They expressed concerns about the current leadership and emphasized the need for institutional reform, new leadership, and a commitment to development, reform, integrity, and independence.
The European associations' proposals include separating powers within FIFA, strengthening the executive committee and council, and restructuring committees. They also advocate for the FIFA president to focus on leadership and global representation, rather than administrative tasks. Additionally, the associations call for enhanced autonomy for regulatory, ethics, and disciplinary bodies, as well as clearer decision-making mechanisms.
The proposals also address financial matters, such as protecting allocations from FIFA's "FIFA Forward" program for eligible national associations and implementing transparent financial reserve policies. The associations stress that FIFA resources should not be used for personal or electoral interests. Further discussions on FIFA reform and leadership will take place among European and global football associations.
A new meeting of the 55 national associations is scheduled for before November 17, 2026. Čeferin's re-election bid and the proposed reforms to FIFA's governance structure are significant developments in European and international football. The UEFA president's decision to run for re-election has implications for the future of European football.
The meeting in Berlin also highlighted the challenges faced by European football in recent years and the need for unity and cooperation. Čeferin's leadership and the proposed reforms aim to address these challenges and shape the future of the sport. The outcome of the UEFA Congress and FIFA's governance reforms will be closely watched by the football community.
Key points
- Aleksander Čeferin to run for re-election as UEFA president.
- European football associations propose reforms to FIFA's governance structure.
- Discussions on FIFA reform and leadership to continue among associations.
