Ceferin named UEFA president

Slovenian FA president Aleksander Ceferin is the new UEFA president.

Ceferin defeated Dutch FA boss Michael van Praag by 42 votes to 13 in Wednesday's election to succeed Michel Platini as the head of European football's governing body.

"My dear friends thank you for your fantastic support." said Ceferin. "It means a lot to me, my small and beautiful Slovenia is very proud of it, and I hope that one day you will also be proud of me."

Platini was forced to step down from his position in May failing in his bid to have his ban from all football-related activity overturned, although his suspension was lowered from four years to six.

Van Pragg, who had the support of England's Football Association, has called on his followers to get behind Ceferin following his election.

"Losing is of course not nice, but I have to thank everybody for the open and clear campaign," he said.

"The way I was received was very nice and I cherish the nice talks I had with nice colleagues.

"I think it was in Italy that Aleksander took to the floor and said 'we are not enemies'. That's exactly how it is, we have the same goal, look at our programmes, we want a better UEFA.

"Today, democracy has spoken. I respect that, I want to thank the countries that supported me until the end, but I call on them to back Aleksander.

"It is up to him but if he wants my assistance, but I of course offer it to him."

Ceferin will see out the remainder of Platini's term of office until 2019.

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