The English Football Association is set to vote against Aleksander Ceferin’s controversial reforms of UEFA’s rulebook as he tries to extend his time as president
The English Football Association (FA) is set to vote against a controversial rule change proposed by UEFA president, Aleksander Ceferin. The change would allow him to stay on as president for 15 years.
Ceferin, who took over in 2016 after Michel Platini’s nine-year term ended, initially introduced reforms to limit any president to three terms in charge. Now, he wants to change this rule so he can serve until 2031.
He has suggested that periods of office starting before July 2017 shouldn’t count, as he served the last three years of Platini’s term from 2016 before being officially elected three years later. Liverpool are set to make their return to the Champions League next season, with the proposed rule change allowing Ceferin to continue to lead Europe’s elite club competition.
Ex-Manchester United CEO David Gill is reportedly leading the opposition to Ceferin’s plan. This comes after UEFA’s technical director Zvonimir Boban quit his role in protest to the Slovenian’s intention to stay on for a fourth term.
Ceferin recently insisted that UEFA were right to charge Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester City with breaking Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, despite the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturning the decision. He stated that the rule changes would need to be changed at the next congress, which happens in Paris on Thursday.
He is due to step down in 2027. The Athletic reports that the FA plans to vote against the amendments, despite agreeing with most of the reforms.
The FA are of the opinion that the spirit of the 2017 reforms were clear and Ceferin’s term limit had already started. Wembley chiefs are also thought to support a set number of places set aside for women on key committees and a renewed statement of opposition to the European Super League.
