Uefa is facing chaos as the head of football steps down following the president’s attempt to consolidate power.

Internal conflict within Uefa was driven by the efforts of its president, Aleksander Ceferin, to alter the organization’s laws in order to extend his term in office. This ultimately resulted in the departure of a high-ranking official on Thursday.

Zvonimir Boban, the former Croatia and AC Milan great, cited his “total disapproval” for Ceferin’s political power move in his decision to leave his job as Uefa’s chief of football after three years.

Boban announced in a statement that he must depart from Uefa with sadness and a sense of burden. He clarifies that he does not seek to be a hero, as he is not the only one who shares his thoughts.

Boban’s departure is the most public show of growing discontent with Ceferin’s leadership since the Slovenian lawyer was re-elected unopposed last April to extend a presidency that started in 2016.

Uefa backed their disgraced former vice president, Luis Rubiales, amidst the controversy surrounding the Women’s World Cup final in August. However, when Rubiales ultimately stepped down, Uefa issued a statement thanking him without mentioning any support for the Spanish players involved.

UEFA attempted to include Russia’s national youth teams in European competitions, despite imposing a ban shortly after the military invasion of Ukraine. However, this plan was abandoned just two weeks later as numerous member federations refused to participate in games against Russia.

At a meeting on December 2nd in Hamburg, Germany, tensions within Uefa’s executive committee were exacerbated. The meeting took place during the draw for the 2024 European Championship for men.

A suggestion was put forward and approved by Ceferin to change the Uefa statutes, which currently restrict presidents to a maximum of 12 years in office. This reform was implemented as a measure against corruption, following the investigations by American and Swiss authorities into corruption in international football that were uncovered in 2015. As a result of this scandal, Michel Platini was removed from his position as Uefa president, creating an opportunity for Ceferin to take on the role.

The revision would specify that Ceferin’s initial three-year term, which finishes Platini’s mandate until 2019, will not be included in his maximum term of 12 years in office.

If Uefa members approve at their congress on February 8th in Paris, Ceferin may run as a candidate in 2027 and potentially serve as president for 15 years instead of the required 12, while earning a salary of £2m per year.

Boban was absent from Hamburg during the period when Uefa Treasurer David Gill, former CEO of Manchester United, led opposition against Ceferin. Despite the potential personal benefit of an extended term limit, Gill expressed his opposition on principle and stated that he would not seek to stay on as an executive committee member.

Boban’s letter of resignation, made public on Thursday, stated that he was unsuccessful in convincing Ceferin to change his stance.

Boban stated that, although he had shared his strong concerns and complete disapproval, the Uefa President does not acknowledge any legal problems with the suggested modifications, nor does he recognize any moral or ethical concerns. The President plans to proceed with his personal ambitions regardless.

Boban commended the Uefa leader for supporting reforms at the start of his presidency. However, he expressed bewilderment over the leader’s recent departure from these principles.

“I understand that perfection is unattainable, including for myself, and that there may be times when compromises are necessary,” Boban stated. “However, being involved in this would contradict the principles and values that I strongly believe in and uphold.”

Uefa announced that Boban’s departure was a result of mutual agreement.

“The organization based in Nyon, Switzerland, expresses its appreciation to Mr Boban for his committed service and wishes him success in his future career pursuits,” Uefa stated.

Boban joined Uefa following his departure from a managerial role at his previous team Milan. Prior to this, he served as the deputy secretary general for football matters at Fifa, working under president Gianni Infantino.

Infantino, similar to Ceferin, was elected in 2016 following the fallout of the Fifa scandal which resulted in the removal of former president Sepp Blatter. Prior to this, Infantino had served as Uefa general secretary for over six years under Platini and decided to run for president when his superior became involved in the scandal.

Infantino is currently guaranteed to remain in his position until 2031, even though there is a limit of 12 years for presidents. The statutes of Fifa have been modified to make sure that his term from 2016-19, when he replaced Blatter, does not count towards the 12-year limit.

Source: independent.co.uk