In a surprising development in European football on Thursday (Feb 8) , UEFA (European football’s governing body) President Aleksander Ceferin confirmed of his intent to end his term in 2027. Ceferin, in charge of the top office of UEFA since 2016 will not run for the president’s elections in 2027 despite previous interest. He took a dig at “nonsense projects” and ex-chief of football with growing interest in rebellion European Super League (ESL).

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🚨 UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin announces he will not run for UEFA presidency in 2027. It’s over. <a href="https://t.co/RdUOTl81Lx">pic.twitter.com/RdUOTl81Lx</a>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1755567799647293918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Ceferin set to finish</h2>

Addressing the continent's media following the vote, Ceferin said: "I could legally run until 2031, the congress decided to vote in the change and that's how serious organisations work."

"The statutes had to be changed or term limits would not exist at all. I am a lawyer, and articles were written about me - it was strange that I didn't get any questions.

"Factually, it's my decision if I want to run after 2027. Honestly speaking, I am tired of Covid, tired of two wars, nonsense projects of so-called super leagues and self-proclaimed moral authorities who are only moral until it comes to their personal interest,” the UEFA president added.

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The Slovenia administrator took charge of UEFA in 2016 after then-president Michel Platini was accused of scams. Ceferin’s term will go down as a success despite facing plenty of issues like COVID-19 and rearranging the football calendar. His tenure also negotiated the calendar adjustments made for the winter FIFA World Cup in 2022 while taking controversial and harsh decisions to ban the Russian Football Federation.

However, the highlight of Ceferin’s term was his anti-ESL stand which was supported by the majority of federations in Europe. Ceferin was against the rebellion ESL and managed to get big teams back in the frame of the Champions League including the big six English clubs. These clubs with some other powerhouses had joined ESL, but after Ceferin’s stand and fan protest, 10 of the 12 clubs pulled out of the idea.

The Slovenian will continue in his office for another three years before he sees the change of guards in the top office of UEFA.&nbsp;

In a surprising development in European football on Thursday (Feb 8) , UEFA (European football’s governing body) President Aleksander Ceferin confirmed of his intent to end his term in 2027.

In a surprising development in European football on Thursday (Feb 8) , UEFA (European football’s governing body) President Aleksander Ceferin confirmed of his intent to end his term in 2027. Ceferin, in charge of the top office of UEFA since 2016 will not run for the president’s elections in 2027 despite previous interest. He took a dig at “nonsense projects” and ex-chief of football with growing interest in rebellion European Super League (ESL). 🚨 UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin announces he will not run for UEFA presidency in 2027. It’s over. pic.twitter.com/RdUOTl81Lx — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 8, 2024 × Ceferin set to finish Addressing the continent's media following the vote, Ceferin said: "I could legally run until 2031, the congress decided to vote in the change and that's how serious organisations work." "The statutes had to be changed or term limits would not exist at all. I am a lawyer, and articles were written about me - it was strange that I didn't get any questions. "Factually, it's my decision if I want to run after 2027. Honestly speaking, I am tired of Covid, tired of two wars, nonsense projects of so-called super leagues and self-proclaimed moral authorities who are only moral until it comes to their personal interest,” the UEFA president added. ALSO READ | Blow for India and world cricket: Nasser Hussain on Virat Kohli likely to miss entire Test series vs England The Slovenia administrator took charge of UEFA in 2016 after then-president Michel Platini was accused of scams. Ceferin’s term will go down as a success despite facing plenty of issues like COVID-19 and rearranging the football calendar. His tenure also negotiated the calendar adjustments made for the winter FIFA World Cup in 2022 while taking controversial and harsh decisions to ban the Russian Football Federation. However, the highlight of Ceferin’s term was his anti-ESL stand which was supported by the majority of federations in Europe. Ceferin was against the rebellion ESL and managed to get big teams back in the frame of the Champions League including the big six English clubs. These clubs with some other powerhouses had joined ESL, but after Ceferin’s stand and fan protest, 10 of the 12 clubs pulled out of the idea. The Slovenian will continue in his office for another three years before he sees the change of guards in the top office of UEFA.

Football: UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin confirms plans for final term, to not run for 2027 elections

There were sensational developments in European football on Thursday (Dec 21) after the European Court of Justice's ruling against UEFA and FIFA about the European Super League (ESL) formation. The decision left both FIFA (World Football Governing Body) and UEFA (European Football Governing Body) in a spot of bother after they had blocked the formation of the ESL in 2021. According to the European Court of Justice's ruling, the decision by FIFA and UEFA was unlawful. However, both the apex bodies have now defended their stands taken in 2021 as the tussle between the ESL and top football bodies intensifies.

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— FIFA (@FIFAcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAcom/status/1737860332872212616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>FIFA chief reacts</h2>

"With the greatest respect for the European Court of Justice, today's judgment does not change anything, really," FIFA chief Gianni Infantino posted on Instagram.

"Historically, we have been organising the best competitions in the world and this will also be the case in the future,” added Infantino.

Also commenting on the issue was, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin as he vowed to continue his fight against the ESL project. UEFA was the first body to oppose the project in 2021 when 12 teams came together to form the league. However, the ESL has received backlash from fans and teams while fines were also imposed by UEFA.

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🚨 <a href="https://twitter.com/EuropeanLeagues?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuropeanLeagues</a> Statement on European Court of Justice Ruling on European Super League case - 🔗<a href="https://t.co/uiP2rsNSAD">https://t.co/uiP2rsNSAD</a> <a href="https://t.co/hR8ITC7ja8">pic.twitter.com/hR8ITC7ja8</a>
— European Leagues (@EuropeanLeagues) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuropeanLeagues/status/1737808726566879726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bbl-sydney-sixers-tom-curran-faces-four-match-ban-for-umpire-intimidation-club-to-lodge-appeal-672094">BBL: Sydney Sixers' Tom Curran faces four-match ban for umpire intimidation, club to lodge appeal</a>

"We will not try to stop them. They can create whatever they want. I hope they start their fantastic competition as soon as possible ... with two clubs,” sneered UEFA President Ceferin.

The Premier League also reacted to the verdict and has vowed to not support the formation of the ESL. Earlier the ‘big six’ Premier League clubs had formed a cluster from England to participate in the ESL, but those plans were cut short after a big backlash from the fans.

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Premier League Statement 
 
League notes today’s judgment in European Court of Justice case involving "European Super League" and continues to reject any such concept 
 
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/xEkMWcAtGm">https://t.co/xEkMWcAtGm</a> <a href="https://t.co/yvONBkfXYK">pic.twitter.com/yvONBkfXYK</a>
— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1737837014614245519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"The ruling does not endorse the so-called 'European Super League' and the Premier League continues to reject any such concept," the English top flight said in a statement.

"Supporters are of vital importance to the game and they have time and again made clear their opposition to a 'breakaway' competition that severs the link between domestic and European football.

"The Premier League reiterates its commitment to the clear principles of open competition that underpin the success of domestic and international club competitions,” concluded a statement from the Premier League.

There were sensational developments in European football on Thursday (Dec 21) after the European Court of Justice's ruling against UEFA and FIFA about the European Super League (ESL) formation.

There were sensational developments in European football on Thursday (Dec 21) after the European Court of Justice's ruling against UEFA and FIFA about the European Super League (ESL) formation. The decision left both FIFA (World Football Governing Body) and UEFA (European Football Governing Body) in a spot of bother after they had blocked the formation of the ESL in 2021. According to the European Court of Justice's ruling, the decision by FIFA and UEFA was unlawful. However, both the apex bodies have now defended their stands taken in 2021 as the tussle between the ESL and top football bodies intensifies. pic.twitter.com/Zpz08vUoEg — FIFA (@FIFAcom) December 21, 2023 × FIFA chief reacts "With the greatest respect for the European Court of Justice, today's judgment does not change anything, really," FIFA chief Gianni Infantino posted on Instagram. "Historically, we have been organising the best competitions in the world and this will also be the case in the future,” added Infantino. Also commenting on the issue was, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin as he vowed to continue his fight against the ESL project. UEFA was the first body to oppose the project in 2021 when 12 teams came together to form the league. However, the ESL has received backlash from fans and teams while fines were also imposed by UEFA. 🚨 @EuropeanLeagues Statement on European Court of Justice Ruling on European Super League case - 🔗https://t.co/uiP2rsNSAD pic.twitter.com/hR8ITC7ja8 — European Leagues (@EuropeanLeagues) December 21, 2023 × ALSO READ | BBL: Sydney Sixers' Tom Curran faces four-match ban for umpire intimidation, club to lodge appeal "We will not try to stop them. They can create whatever they want. I hope they start their fantastic competition as soon as possible ... with two clubs,” sneered UEFA President Ceferin. The Premier League also reacted to the verdict and has vowed to not support the formation of the ESL. Earlier the ‘big six’ Premier League clubs had formed a cluster from England to participate in the ESL, but those plans were cut short after a big backlash from the fans. Premier League Statement League notes today’s judgment in European Court of Justice case involving "European Super League" and continues to reject any such concept ➡️ https://t.co/xEkMWcAtGm pic.twitter.com/yvONBkfXYK — Premier League (@premierleague) December 21, 2023 × "The ruling does not endorse the so-called 'European Super League' and the Premier League continues to reject any such concept," the English top flight said in a statement. "Supporters are of vital importance to the game and they have time and again made clear their opposition to a 'breakaway' competition that severs the link between domestic and European football. "The Premier League reiterates its commitment to the clear principles of open competition that underpin the success of domestic and international club competitions,” concluded a statement from the Premier League.

FIFA, UEFA chief react after top court's ruling in favour of European Super League

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA President Michel Platini are due to appear in a Swiss court on Wednesday facing corruption charges which triggered their downfall from the summit of global football.

Swiss prosecutors accuse the pair, once among the game`s most powerful figures, of unlawfully arranging a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.08 million) in 2011 from FIFA to Platini. The case meant Blatter ended his 17-year reign as FIFA president in disgrace and torpedoed hopes by former France midfielder Platini of succeeding him.

It is one of 25 investigations by the Swiss Office of the Attorney General (OAG) into corruption in football, with some 12 still pending. Following a six-year investigation, the OAG accused Blatter, 86, of "fraud, in the alternative of misappropriation, in the further alternative of criminal mismanagement as well as of forgery of a document".

Platini, 66, is accused of fraud, misappropriation, participating in criminal mismanagement as an accomplice, and forgery of a document. Blatter and Platini, who were once close associates but are now bitter enemies, have both denied wrongdoing. They say they had a verbal agreement over the payment, which related to consultancy work by Platini between 1998 and 2002.

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Three judges at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, will hear the case in the trial which runs until June 22. A verdict is due on July 8. If convicted, Platini and Blatter face up to five years in jail. 
"This case goes back to an event in 2011. It is an administrative matter, a salary payment that was owed," said Blatter. "The matter was correctly declared as a salary payment, accounted for accordingly and approved by all the relevant bodies of FIFA."

Platini said: "I approach this hearing with serenity and confidence. I am convinced that justice will be fully and definitively done to me after so many years of wild accusations and slander. We will prove in court that I acted with the utmost honesty, that the payment of the remaining salary was due to me by FIFA and is perfectly legal."

FIFA`s Ethics Committee banned Blatter and Platini from football in 2015, initially for eight years, although this was later reduced. The committee said the transaction, made when Blatter was seeking re-election, lacked transparency and presented a conflict of interest.

When Blatter approved the payment, he was campaigning for re-election against Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar. Platini, as president of European soccer association UEFA, was seen as having sway with European members who could influence the vote. The OAG said its investigation revealed that Platini worked as a consultant between 1998-2002 and that an annual compensation of 300,000 Swiss francs was contractually agreed.

Platini`s invoice had been paid in full but the former France international later demanded further salary payments of two million francs, it said. Platini, who captained France to victory in the 1984 European Championships, was forced to quit UEFA in 2016 after losing his appeal against his ban. He also lost his appeal at the European Court of Human Rights.

The three-time European footballer of the year had been favourite to replace Blatter after the Swiss administrator quit in the wake of the huge corruption scandal which engulfed FIFA in 2015. Instead, Platini`s former general secretary at UEFA, Gianni Infantino, entered the FIFA race and won the election in 2016.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA President Michel Platini are due to appear in a Swiss court on Wednesday facing corruption charges which triggered their downfall from the summit of global football.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA President Michel Platini are due to appear in a Swiss court on Wednesday facing corruption charges which triggered their downfall from the summit of global football. Swiss prosecutors accuse the pair, once among the game`s most powerful figures, of unlawfully arranging a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.08 million) in 2011 from FIFA to Platini. The case meant Blatter ended his 17-year reign as FIFA president in disgrace and torpedoed hopes by former France midfielder Platini of succeeding him. It is one of 25 investigations by the Swiss Office of the Attorney General (OAG) into corruption in football, with some 12 still pending. Following a six-year investigation, the OAG accused Blatter, 86, of "fraud, in the alternative of misappropriation, in the further alternative of criminal mismanagement as well as of forgery of a document". Platini, 66, is accused of fraud, misappropriation, participating in criminal mismanagement as an accomplice, and forgery of a document. Blatter and Platini, who were once close associates but are now bitter enemies, have both denied wrongdoing. They say they had a verbal agreement over the payment, which related to consultancy work by Platini between 1998 and 2002. ALSO READ | Neymar strikes from penalty spot as Brazil beat Japan 1-0 Three judges at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, will hear the case in the trial which runs until June 22. A verdict is due on July 8. If convicted, Platini and Blatter face up to five years in jail. "This case goes back to an event in 2011. It is an administrative matter, a salary payment that was owed," said Blatter. "The matter was correctly declared as a salary payment, accounted for accordingly and approved by all the relevant bodies of FIFA." Platini said: "I approach this hearing with serenity and confidence. I am convinced that justice will be fully and definitively done to me after so many years of wild accusations and slander. We will prove in court that I acted with the utmost honesty, that the payment of the remaining salary was due to me by FIFA and is perfectly legal." FIFA`s Ethics Committee banned Blatter and Platini from football in 2015, initially for eight years, although this was later reduced. The committee said the transaction, made when Blatter was seeking re-election, lacked transparency and presented a conflict of interest. When Blatter approved the payment, he was campaigning for re-election against Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar. Platini, as president of European soccer association UEFA, was seen as having sway with European members who could influence the vote. The OAG said its investigation revealed that Platini worked as a consultant between 1998-2002 and that an annual compensation of 300,000 Swiss francs was contractually agreed. Platini`s invoice had been paid in full but the former France international later demanded further salary payments of two million francs, it said. Platini, who captained France to victory in the 1984 European Championships, was forced to quit UEFA in 2016 after losing his appeal against his ban. He also lost his appeal at the European Court of Human Rights. The three-time European footballer of the year had been favourite to replace Blatter after the Swiss administrator quit in the wake of the huge corruption scandal which engulfed FIFA in 2015. Instead, Platini`s former general secretary at UEFA, Gianni Infantino, entered the FIFA race and won the election in 2016.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and ex-UEFA President Michel Platini face Swiss corruption trail

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said that plans to hold a biennial World Cup are a "no go" for everyone in football, adding that FIFA has also come to the same realisation.

The idea of a World Cup every two years has been gathering steam with FIFA president Gianni Infantino trying to get support from national federations, saying the switch would create an extra $4.4 billion in revenues for the world body.

Infantino insisted in December that he had majority backing to make the change despite opposition from European clubs and top leagues, and contrary to what the president of the continent's governing body believes.

"A biennial World Cup is a no go for everyone in football," Ceferin told the Financial Times Football Business Summit. "I am glad FIFA has realised that as well."

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I had a discussion with FIFA's president about it yesterday. We cannot say football on other continents cannot be developed, but we should be aligned and it should not hurt European and South American Federations.

"We have discussions but as far as I am concerned, a biennial World Cup is off the table. I am sure we will come to a solution with FIFA soon."

FIFA did not immediately comment when approached by Reuters.

Ceferin also launched a fresh attack on attempts to form a European Super League, given what is going on in Ukraine at the moment.

Media reports suggest the breakaway, which spectacularly failed to get off the ground last April, could come back, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus still interested in forming the league.

"First they launch this nonsense of an idea in the middle of the pandemic, now we are reading articles every day that they are planning to launch another idea now, in the middle of a war," Ceferin added.

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"Do I have to speak anymore about those people? They obviously live in a parallel world. While we are saving players with other stakeholders, while we are working to help a terrible situation, they work on a project like that."

"They can pay whoever they want to say this is a nice project, that they have full solidarity, that they will give some charity to smaller clubs, but this a complete nonsense. They all know it."

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said that plans to hold a biennial World Cup are a "no go" for everyone in football, adding that FIFA has also come to the same realisation.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said that plans to hold a biennial World Cup are a "no go" for everyone in football, adding that FIFA has also come to the same realisation. The idea of a World Cup every two years has been gathering steam with FIFA president Gianni Infantino trying to get support from national federations, saying the switch would create an extra $4.4 billion in revenues for the world body. Infantino insisted in December that he had majority backing to make the change despite opposition from European clubs and top leagues, and contrary to what the president of the continent's governing body believes. "A biennial World Cup is a no go for everyone in football," Ceferin told the Financial Times Football Business Summit. "I am glad FIFA has realised that as well." ALSO READ: No Russian Grand Prix in future as Formula One terminates contract in wake of Ukraine crisis I had a discussion with FIFA's president about it yesterday. We cannot say football on other continents cannot be developed, but we should be aligned and it should not hurt European and South American Federations. "We have discussions but as far as I am concerned, a biennial World Cup is off the table. I am sure we will come to a solution with FIFA soon." FIFA did not immediately comment when approached by Reuters. Ceferin also launched a fresh attack on attempts to form a European Super League, given what is going on in Ukraine at the moment. Media reports suggest the breakaway, which spectacularly failed to get off the ground last April, could come back, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus still interested in forming the league. "First they launch this nonsense of an idea in the middle of the pandemic, now we are reading articles every day that they are planning to launch another idea now, in the middle of a war," Ceferin added. ALSO READ: F1 world champion Max Verstappen to stay at Red Bull until 2028 "Do I have to speak anymore about those people? They obviously live in a parallel world. While we are saving players with other stakeholders, while we are working to help a terrible situation, they work on a project like that." "They can pay whoever they want to say this is a nice project, that they have full solidarity, that they will give some charity to smaller clubs, but this a complete nonsense. They all know it."

Biennial World Cup is a 'no go' for everyone in football, says UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has called an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee for Friday, Europe`s soccer governing body said on Thursday following Russia`s invasion of Ukraine.

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This season`s Champions League final is to be held in St Petersburg in May and the EU Parliament had asked UEFA to change the venue and to stop considering Russian cities for international football competitions.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has called an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee for Friday, Europe`s soccer governing body said on Thursday following Russia`s invasion of Ukraine.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has called an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee for Friday, Europe`s soccer governing body said on Thursday following Russia`s invasion of Ukraine. ALSO READ | UEFA likely to move Champions League final from St. Petersburg due to Russia-Ukraine crisis - Reports This season`s Champions League final is to be held in St Petersburg in May and the EU Parliament had asked UEFA to change the venue and to stop considering Russian cities for international football competitions.

UEFA calls extraordinary meeting to discuss situation in the wake of Russia-Ukraine crisis

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has urged players across Europe to get vaccinated as soon as possible against COVID-19 but said it was still a personal choice, for now.

UEFA is set to launch a video aimed at players featuring doctors explaining the benefits of vaccinations.

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"For me, I believe in science and I got vaccinated," Ceferin told a news conference on Thursday.

"I think that they should get vaccinated as soon as possible but I still believe, for now, it is a personal choice," he added.

"We have to be smart, we have to explain things, people are not stupid, people understand when you explain, in a nice way not judging them, but explaining why vaccinating is good."

Ceferin said the video featured only doctors explaining the benefits of the vaccine as well as addressing questions about side-effects.

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"I think that sooner or later, if not all, the vast majority will understand it," the Slovenian said.

The Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur was postponed on Thursday after a number of positive cases in the Leicester squad, as outbreaks at clubs threaten to play havoc with the fixture list.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has urged players across Europe to get vaccinated as soon as possible against COVID-19 but said it was still a personal choice, for now.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has urged players across Europe to get vaccinated as soon as possible against COVID-19 but said it was still a personal choice, for now. UEFA is set to launch a video aimed at players featuring doctors explaining the benefits of vaccinations. ALSO READ: Premier League: Leicester, Manchester United games postponed as COVID-19 plays havoc in schedule "For me, I believe in science and I got vaccinated," Ceferin told a news conference on Thursday. "I think that they should get vaccinated as soon as possible but I still believe, for now, it is a personal choice," he added. "We have to be smart, we have to explain things, people are not stupid, people understand when you explain, in a nice way not judging them, but explaining why vaccinating is good." Ceferin said the video featured only doctors explaining the benefits of the vaccine as well as addressing questions about side-effects. ALSO READ: London to host Italy, Argentina in 'Finalissima' next year "I think that sooner or later, if not all, the vast majority will understand it," the Slovenian said. The Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur was postponed on Thursday after a number of positive cases in the Leicester squad, as outbreaks at clubs threaten to play havoc with the fixture list.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin to launch vaccination campaign targetted at players

FIFA's Decision To Host WC2022 In Qatar Being Probed, Michael Platini Has Been Arrested In France Football legend and Former UEFA President Michael Platini has been arrested in France. The arrest is related to FIFA's decision to host the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Platini is facing allegations of cronyism, corruption and favoritism. But the buck doesn't just stop with Platini. So who else is involved? How big is the arrest of Platini? Palki explains

Gravitas: Former UEFA Prez & Football legend Michael Platini arrested

Head of Slovenian football association Aleksander Ceferin was elected president of European football&#39;s governing body UEFA on Wednesday. 
 
The 48-year-old defeated Dutch football association chief Michael van Praag by 42 votes to 13, reported AFP. 
 
Ceferin succeeds Michel Platini who was forced to resign as president in May after receiving a ban from football by FIFA&#39;s ethics committee . The newly elected leader will complete the remaining two and a half years of Platini&#39;s four-year term. 
 
&quot;The wind of change is blowing through European football. It is the end of one era and the start of a new one,&quot; Ceferin said in a speech at a special congress in Athens shortly after Platini gave a farewell address and left through a side door. 
 
The Slovenian lawyer spoke about the challenges associated with the scandal-tainted sport, along with accusations of match-mixing and doping. However, he denied that he was emphasising the negativity. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t want to live in an empire of fear where every day we wake and see another negativity surfacing. I want to bring out all the good things UEFA has been doing and you have been doing,&quot; Ceferin told a special congress in Athens. 
 
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and two others are facing an investigation over the salaries and bonuses they received in the office. Blatter has been banned from football for ethics violations related to a payment of 2 million Swiss francs that FIFA made to the former European soccer boss Michel Platini with Blatter&#39;s approval in 2011 for work done a decade earlier. 
 
&quot;You are going to continue this beautiful mission without me, for reasons that I do not wish to come back on today,&quot; Platini said in his farewell speech. &quot;I would also stress that I bear no grudges against those who have not supported me, everyone has the right to their own convictions.&quot; 
 
UEFA announced significant changes to their flagship Champions League in August this year. From 2018/19 season, the top four European leagues &nbsp;- currently Spain, Germany, England and Italy &nbsp;- will each be guaranteed four places in the group stage, UEFA competitions director Giorgio Marchetti had told reporters. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)

Ceferin, 48, beat Dutch football association chief Michael van Praag by 42 votes to 13 in the first round of voting

Head of Slovenian football association Aleksander Ceferin was elected president of European football's governing body UEFA on Wednesday. The 48-year-old defeated Dutch football association chief Michael van Praag by 42 votes to 13, reported AFP. Ceferin succeeds Michel Platini who was forced to resign as president in May after receiving a ban from football by FIFA's ethics committee . The newly elected leader will complete the remaining two and a half years of Platini's four-year term. "The wind of change is blowing through European football. It is the end of one era and the start of a new one," Ceferin said in a speech at a special congress in Athens shortly after Platini gave a farewell address and left through a side door. The Slovenian lawyer spoke about the challenges associated with the scandal-tainted sport, along with accusations of match-mixing and doping. However, he denied that he was emphasising the negativity. "I don't want to live in an empire of fear where every day we wake and see another negativity surfacing. I want to bring out all the good things UEFA has been doing and you have been doing," Ceferin told a special congress in Athens. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter and two others are facing an investigation over the salaries and bonuses they received in the office. Blatter has been banned from football for ethics violations related to a payment of 2 million Swiss francs that FIFA made to the former European soccer boss Michel Platini with Blatter's approval in 2011 for work done a decade earlier. "You are going to continue this beautiful mission without me, for reasons that I do not wish to come back on today," Platini said in his farewell speech. "I would also stress that I bear no grudges against those who have not supported me, everyone has the right to their own convictions." UEFA announced significant changes to their flagship Champions League in August this year. From 2018/19 season, the top four European leagues - currently Spain, Germany, England and Italy - will each be guaranteed four places in the group stage, UEFA competitions director Giorgio Marchetti had told reporters. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Football: Slovenian Aleksander Ceferin elected UEFA president

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