Pedro Proença elected in Portugal

Pedro Proença has been elected as the new Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president for a four-year term.

Proença, 54, is a former referee who in 2012 became the first referee to officiate the finals of both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA EURO in the same year.

He was elected president of Liga Portugal (the Portuguese Professional Football League) in 2015, also serving as president of the European Leagues.

"This is a victory for the entire football community: players, coaches, referees, managers, medical staff, clubs, professional football, professional associations, district and regional associations, and fans," Proença said. "Together we will turn Portuguese football even stronger."

Proença succeeds Fernando Gomes, who steps down after leading FPF over a 14-year spell in which Portugal achieved unprecedented success with their national teams, with the men winning UEFA EURO 2016 and the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019, the women's team reaching the finals of the EURO and the World Cup for the first time and the men's futsal team winning the EURO twice and the World Cup.

"I wish Pedro Proença the best of luck for the term he will hold until 2028. This is a moment, I know, of great honour and enormous responsibility," said Gomes. "I congratulate the new president and his board, as well as the other elected social bodies, and I hope they are successful."