Karl-Erik Nilsson's diverse football road

Karl-Erik Nilsson steps down as UEFA’s first vice-president at April’s Congress in Belgrade after eight fulfilling years. Nilsson, 67, has been a key figure in our drive to nurture football’s overall development across the continent, as well as participating in shaping the organisation’s strategic vision not only to ensure the sport’s future good health, but also to promote and protect its crucial values.

Nilsson boasts an impressive CV in Sweden and beyond. He was a schoolteacher, as well as mayor of his home town of Emmaboda. His lifelong devotion to football took him to the elite as an international referee from 1994 to 2002, as well as prominence within the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) as a board member and then as association president between 2012 and 2023.

European football recognition came when he was elected to the UEFA Executive Committee in 2017, taking on the role of first vice-president at the same time. Over the years, Nilsson has enjoyed a rich variety of UEFA assignments – tournament director at the 2009 European Under-21 Championship, and a referee observer and mentor to younger match officials.

Since 2017, Nilsson has also chaired UEFA’s HatTrick Committee, helping reinforce the impact of our flagship development programme, and has been closely involved in future plans as chair of our strategy steering committee.

We caught up with Karl-Erik Nilsson to talk about his career, UEFA’s work, European football’s development and what the future holds…

Karl-Erik, how do you feel as a new passage in life beckons?

I’m thankful that I’ve been involved in so many levels of this beautiful game, and very proud of my contribution to football in various roles throughout my life. When I started out in football in Sweden, I never dreamed of the path I would take. I’ve made a lot of friends as well. It’s been a fantastic privilege…

Do you have a couple of special memories that you can share?

One vivid memory that stays with me was when I refereed a [FIFA] World Cup qualifier between England and Moldova at Wembley Stadium in September 1997. It was a very short time after the tragic death of Princess Diana. I remember that there were flowers everywhere, and I recall the minute’s silence before the match. It was a very special, emotional moment in an iconic football setting,

As Swedish FA president, one particular year stands out – 2015, when our national teams won the European men’s Under-21 and women’s Under-19 titles. It was a proud time for me in my position to be able to share in the celebrations for these two outstanding achievements.

Sweden players celebrate with the trophy after beating Portugal in the UEFA Under-21 EURO finalUEFA via Getty Images

You come across as a 'people person' – someone who enjoys being and working with others…

I like to be together with people. I especially enjoy the teamwork involved in football – it’s gratifying to set goals and achieve things in a spirit of togetherness.

What changes have you seen in football over the years?

The game’s profile and exposure has increased considerably. The appeal and attraction of football is growing all the time and, importantly, the sport never stands still – we see progress everywhere, from the development of the major competitions to the flourishing of the grassroots and the rise of football’s influence as a social force for good. It’s been very exciting to work with people, both in Sweden and internationally, who relish every opportunity to take the game forward.

How do you see UEFA’s current status as European football’s parent body?

UEFA is in a very strong position, and I am delighted by the unity and solidarity that prevails throughout Europe – not only among the 55 UEFA member associations, but also in UEFA’s relationships with leagues, clubs, players’ bodies and the many other stakeholders. In recent years, UEFA has faced a series of major challenges – the pandemic, the so-called Super League, conflict on our continent – but thanks to flexibility, good ideas and hard work, the organisation has met these challenges successfully and consolidated its standing.

You’re in a privileged position to comment on the UEFA HatTrick programme’s successes…

In the 21 years since its launch, HatTrick has become a top solidarity and development programme in the sports world. It’s been satisfying as HatTrick Committee chairman to share in ideas, decisions, measures and positive achievements that have helped Europe’s national associations to develop their football and bolster their infrastructures.

… and to highlight the importance of UEFA’s strategic visions

One of my most rewarding experiences has been helping to shape the future of UEFA and its different facets, setting out strategies that not only stand UEFA in good stead, but also nurture the overall well-being of European football. I think the name of UEFA’s latest strategy for 2024-30, 'United for Success', is very apt. Unity and cooperation across the European football community will be vital in reaching our many targets. For example, we are committed to maintaining our competitions’ undoubted excellence; football must play a key role in the development of society; the essential values of football must remain intact – and we must never neglect football’s grassroots movement, which provides boys and girls, people young and old from all walks of life, with the chance to take part in and derive joy from this wonderful game.

You’re now preparing your own future as well…

I’m stepping down as UEFA first vice-president after a fantastic period in which I’ve worked together closely with the UEFA president and the Executive Committee, as well as with countless other colleagues and partners. But I won’t be leaving UEFA completely just yet… I’ll be continuing for a time as chairman of the HatTrick Committee, which I consider a privilege. While I’ve already stepped down from duties at national level in Sweden, I’ll still be involved with my local club IK Oddevold as a board member and a fan, and I’ll certainly continue to support the Swedish men’s and women’s national teams.

There’s always something exciting coming over football’s horizon!

There’s much to anticipate. We can expect a marvellous Women’s EURO in Switzerland this summer which will highlight the massive development of the women’s game, one of the great success stories in recent years. I’m really looking forward to that!

In fact, 'life means life' as far as your love of football is concerned …

I’m still ready to serve European football in the future. If anyone feels that I may be able to help, I’m just a phone call away…