Despite the announcement of UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin’s resignation, the DFB hopes for a further term of office for the Slovenian. And DFB President Bernd Neuendorf is against Russia’s return to world football.
On Thursday, the Congress of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) begins in the Serbian capital Belgrade. The German Football Association (DFB) has already taken two positions.
The DFB hopes that UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin will remain in office beyond 2027 despite his announcement of retirement. “It would be absolutely desirable for him to continue,” said DFB chief Bernd Neuendorf.
He has a “very good and trusting relationship” with Ceferin. “He is smart and reliable. He is humorous and affectionate. He has a clear view of the challenges facing football. I like that,” said Neuendorf. “He can count on our continued support.”
Ceferin announced after last year’s congress in Paris that he would not stand for re-election in 2027. This was preceded by discussions about an amendment to the statutes that would have meant that Ceferin’s first term of office (2016 to 2019) after the resignation of Michel Platini would not be subject to the restriction of three terms of office. Critics had feared that the 57-year-old wanted to pave the way for a fourth term in office. According to UEFA, the adjustment was necessary for legal reasons.
No successor candidate in sight yet
Last summer, the British newspaper The Guardian reported that about 20 of the 55 UEFA members had pledged their support to the Slovenian and encouraged him to run again in the election in two years. Since Ceferin’s announcement of his withdrawal, no candidate has yet come forward as a possible successor.
DFB nominates Watzke again
For the upcoming Exko election in Belgrade, the DFB has again nominated Hans-Joachim Watzke, who has been a member of the committee since 2023. In addition, Neuendorf’s re-election to the Council of the world football association FIFA is a formality.
Neuendorf against Russia’s return
Another topic that could be discussed in Belgrade is Russia’s return to world football. Neuendorf has already taken a stand on this issue. The DFB president has spoken out unequivocally against the return of Russian teams to international competitions. “The fact is that unfortunately nothing has changed in the situation that led to the suspension of Russian teams. Russia continues unabatedly to wage war against Ukraine in violation of international law,” Neuendorf said.
Russian teams are currently excluded from all international competitions. Ceferin had repeatedly expressed skepticism as to whether the exclusion of Russian youth teams would also be effective. “Firstly, these children do not take part in elections and do not support any authorities because they are minors. Above all, however, they are now being raised with hatred and fear towards children from other parts of Europe,” the Slovenian said in a recent interview with the magazine Delo in his home country.
The topic of Russia is not on the official agenda of the UEFA Congress.
