'It was like I became Kim Jong-un': Aleksander Ceferin on Uefa, Super Leagues and Saudi cash

27/01/2024 21:00

Exclusive: in a wide-ranging interview, the Uefa president talks existential threats, football in a time of war and Boban's exit

Aleksander Ceferin is sitting in front of a wall adorned with framed Champions League final programmes. Through the huge glass window at the end of the room, Lake Geneva ripples calmly; the peak of Mont Blanc is visible, more than 50 miles away, now the morning clouds have cleared. Uefa's headquarters are a vision of heaven on days like this, but the reality has not always been so blessed for its president.

During his seven years in charge Ceferin has had to face up to Covid‑19, geopolitical turmoil and serious failings in Uefa's handling of major finals. At the same time, European football battles to hold a coherent line when faced by growing threats to the status quo and an influx of multibillion investment that is wrecking the sport's competitive balance.