Russian soccer’s influence in European football governance faces a major setback as Alexander Dyukov, a sanctioned Gazprom executive, withdraws from UEFA’s upcoming executive committee elections. The April 3 vote in Belgrade will see Norway’s Lise Klaveness claim a groundbreaking women’s quota seat while nine new members join UEFA’s leadership.
Dyukov’s unexpected absence follows his 2021 election to UEFA’s decision-making body and recent re-election as Russian Football Union president. UEFA confirmed he did not apply for re-election, though eligibility concerns persisted due to his inclusion on Britain’s sanctions list since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
All candidates must pass mandatory governance checks,UEFA stated, distancing itself from officials linked to Moscow’s geopolitical actions.
The elections conclude Russia’s 15-year streak of executive committee representation, previously held by:
- 2018 World Cup organizer Alexey Sorokin
- Former sports minister Vitaly Mutko
- Sergey Fursenko, ex-Russian Football Union president
Klaveness’s appointment signals progress for gender equity, coming two years after her failed bid against male candidates. Her role expands UEFA’s executive committee to 21 members alongside Wales’ Laura McAllister.
Geopolitical tensions continue reshaping European soccer, with UEFA severing ties to Gazprom sponsorship and relocating the 2022 Champions League final from St. Petersburg. FIFA and UEFA’s ban on Russian teams remains upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, citing competitive integrity risks.
New candidates include Ukrainian football legend Andrii Shevchenko and Portuguese referee Pedro Proença, reflecting UEFA’s balancing act between sporting merit and political realities. Analysts suggest these elections could redefine power structures ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualification cycle.