UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has made a bold intervention in European politics, criticizing the handling of key issues such as immigration, regulation, and freedom of speech. Speaking to Slovenian newspaper Delo, Ceferin claimed that “freedom of speech no longer exists” and that the public is “fed up with political correctness.”
In a wide-ranging discussion, he expressed frustration with European leaders, particularly in their approach to global relations and the Ukraine conflict. “We should unite, but I don’t know if that is possible,” he remarked. He advocated for reducing market regulation and adopting a more inclusive global outlook, arguing that no nation, including China, should be treated as an adversary.
Ceferin also criticized the polarized nature of modern political discourse. “On one hand, right-wing populists push a simple rhetoric blaming migrants for crime and portraying LGBT rights as a threat to families. On the other hand, mainstream politicians and media take an intellectual and often arrogant stance, failing to engage directly with the public.” He warned that the absence of open discussion only fuels populist narratives, adding, “Nobody explains to people that individuals can love whomever they choose, that some struggle with their identity, or that migrants, like anyone else, face legal consequences when they commit crimes.”
The UEFA president also took aim at political influence on football decisions, citing UEFA’s abandoned plans to reinstate Russian youth teams in European competitions. He blamed left-leaning mainstream politics for the backlash, claiming that political pressure prevented young players from socializing and competing. “Politics generates hatred and intolerance while pretending to stand against it,” he said.
Ceferin shared his views on global football figures, praising Prince William as “the most knowledgeable” among dignitaries but expressing greater admiration for the Emir of Qatar, who, he noted, often watches multiple matches at once. He also dismissed reports of the Champions League final being moved to the United States, insisting that UEFA had not negotiated such a deal.
On the footballing front, Ceferin lauded the new 36-team Champions League format, describing it as a “perfect success.” He claimed that nearly all feedback had been positive and that the competition’s unpredictability made it more exciting. “Nobody knew until the very last moment whether they would qualify. It’s a perfect success, and the Champions League ratings are excellent,” he concluded.
