Page 36 - AM231009

36 SPORTS AWEMainta Dialuna, 9 October 2023

Resignation of UEFA Vice President

Karl-Erik Nilsson as Leader of Swedish Sports

KARL-ERIK Nilsson, UEFA’s second-in-command, has
tendered his resignation as the leader of sports in Sweden

following revelations surrounding his vote in favor of lifting
Russia’s comprehensive ban from European football. Nilsson,
who had assumed the role of Chair of the Swedish Sports
Confederation merely four months ago, candidly acknowl-

edged that his decision had eroded trust in his leadership.

This development transpired subsequent to Sky News’
disclosure of Nilsson’s vote within a UEFA assembly, precip-

itating a week of extraordinary deliberations. The Swedish
Sports Confederation, in conjunction with the nation’s
football federation, had steadfastly opposed the involve-
ment of Russian teams in international competitions since

Russia’s military incursion into Ukraine in February 2022.
Paradoxically, as UEFA’s First Vice President, Nilsson cast his
vote favoring the participation of Russia’s under-17 teams
in UEFA tournaments.

In his official statement, Nilsson conveyed the arduousness
of his choice to step down, underscoring his deep commit-
ment to his role. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the formi-

dable challenge of reconciling his dual responsibilities,
exacerbated by the erosion of trust in his capabilities within
the realm of Swedish sports.

Initially, Nilsson endeavored to dispute the accuracy of
Sky’s reporting concerning his vote but subsequently issued
a statement aimed at rationalizing his decision. Regrettably,
heightened scrutiny from within Sweden compelled him

to relinquish his position within the Swedish Sports
Confederation.

Nilsson’s statement alluded to the adverse media atten-

tion he had garnered, which had subjected him to personal
attacks and acrimony. His departure amplifies Sweden’s
resolute stance against the participation of Russia and
Belarus in international sporting events, a position rooted in

persistent concerns regarding Russia’s aggressive actions
in Ukraine.

Anna Iwarsson has been designated as the Acting Chair of

the Swedish Sports Confederation, affirming that the Nordic
consensus concerning Russia’s and Belarus’s participa-
tion in international sports remains unwavering, given the
ongoing hostilities involving Russia in Ukraine. Nilsson’s

tenure at the helm of Swedish sports, though brief, was
impactful, commencing in May of the same year.