The FA will vote AGAINST controversial reforms that would allow UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin to stay in power until 2031… but the motion is still expected to pass

The FA are set to vote against Aleksander Ceferin’s controversial reforms that would permit him to stay on as UEFA president for 15 years at tomorrow’s Congress in Paris.

Mail Sport revealed in December that Ceferin’s proposed changes to UEFA Statutes had divided European football, with former Manchester United chief executive David Gill criticising them at an Executive Committee in Hamburg.

Ceferin was elected UEFA president on a reforming platform in place of the disgraced Michel Platini and introduced a three-term limit for all executives, but has now tabled an amendment stating that periods of office that began before July 2017 should not count. 

The Slovenian served the final three years of Platini’s term from 2016 before being elected in 2019 and is currently due to stand down in 2027, but the change would permit him to seek re-election until 2031.

Gill spoke out against Ceferin’s plans and after weeks of diplomatic talks the FA have decided to back him by voting against the amendments tomorrow. 

Ceferin was elected in 2016 and introduced a three-term limit, but wants to stay on until 2031 

The FA’s position has been complicated by UEFA’s decision to put the change in the limits together with other amendments to be voted on tomorrow, including increasing the number of places set aside for women on key committees and a renewed statement of opposition to the European Super League.

At UEFA Executive Committee meeting earlier today the FA lobbied for the change in terms limits to be voted on separately but were unsuccessful so have decided to oppose the complete package. 

The no vote is based on the principle of supporting clear term limits rather than any personal enmity towards Ceferin.

Former Man United CEO David Gill (left) has been critical of Ceferin’s controversial plans

Ceferin’s motion is expected to be passed with strong support despite the FA’s opposition. 

Other national associations who had expressed unhappiness about the changes such as Romania have decided to vote in favour on the grounds of unity so any rebellion is likely to be limited.