the news of the death of the president of UEFA has caused a sensation on the Internet, and many netizens and people in the football industry feel very sorry for it. The Swedish Football Association announced through its official website that former UEFA president Johansson died on June 4 at the age of 89. Johansson, who has long served as president of UEFA and vice president of FIFA, has made great contributions to European and even world football and promoted the successful restructuring of the Champions League and the European Cup. Therefore, he was selected into the Swedish Football Hall of fame in 2007. This article brings you the details of the incident and the personal information and career introduction of the former UEFA president. Let's have a look.
The Swedish Football Association said in an announcement on its official website, 'Swedish football has ushered in a sad moment, and Johansson has unfortunately died. Johansson, 89, died of illness on the evening of June 4. "
Johansson, born in 1929, began football management at the age of 34, became the football director of AIK club in Stockholm, and then served as the president of the club. In 1979, Johansson became the chairman of the Swedish League, the chairman of the Swedish Football Association in 1984 and the Executive Committee of UEFA four years later.
In 1990, Johansson became president of UEFA after defeating Rumo by five votes at the UEFA general assembly. During this period, UEFA was in a turbulent period, experiencing the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the Balkan conflict, the Bosman judgment and the influx of television broadcasting funds, which made UEFA face a huge impact.
However, Johansson has helped UEFA strengthen in such drastic changes. UEFA's income has increased significantly and its member states have also increased. After Johansson transformed the European Champions League into the Champions League in 1992, this event has achieved great success and gradually become the most important event in the world.
In terms of national team events, Johansson also helped make the European Cup one of the most popular events in the world, increasing the number of participating teams from 8 to 16. The Swedish Football Association pointed out that during his tenure as president of UEFA, Johansson's greatest success lies in his excellent balance between top clubs and other clubs.
During his tenure as president of UEFA, Johansson always took democracy, transparency and cooperation as his creed, which also conflicted with the ideas of former FIFA president Blatter. In 1998, Johansson announced his participation in the FIFA presidential election, and finally got 80 votes, losing the election by 31 votes.
Johansson later revealed, 'I lost, but I heard they bought votes. Now FIFA is rotten. For people, FIFA is a symbol of corruption and bribery. " In the 2007 UEFA presidential election, Johansson was re elected for four terms before losing to Platini, who was fully supported by Blatter.
Swedish Football Association President Nelson said, 'I am very sad to hear the news of Johansson's death. I and many others have lost a very good or even great football partner. We will be with Johansson's family. "
Johansson is the greatest international football leader in our history. No other Swede has ever had a similar impact on world football. During his tenure as president of UEFA and vice president of FIFA, his behavior was greatly respected and his leadership was envied by the world. "
Nelson also pointed out that 'Johansson has made great contributions to Swedish football. As the chairman of AIK and Swedish Football Association, he has attached great importance to the development of Swedish football for many years, and his role on the international stage has given Sweden a strong and clear position in the football industry.'
Johansson is a loyal and intelligent leader with immeasurable integrity. He is also a very humorous person with unlimited love for football. I saw him a week ago and talked to him about the Europa League final in Baku. "
'we also agreed to meet again during the European Cup qualifier between Sweden and Malta. But it's impossible now, but I believe he will always be with us on the pitch. "
UEFA president cheferin said, "UEFA and European football circles are very sad about Johansson's death. I wish to express my most sincere condolences to his family, relatives and the Swedish Football Association. He is a loyal football fan and servant. He has always been full of passion. "
"As a visionary leader and the architect of the Champions League, he will always be remembered. Because of his contribution to this wonderful event, world football will always thank him." Chefering also announced that in order to pay tribute to Johansson, this week's UEFA, European Cup qualifiers and European U21 Youth Championships will observe a moment of silence before the game.