Norway's Lise Klaveness learns savvy as she bids for UEFA exco ...

January 22 – Two years ago, Norway’s football president Lise Klaveness was denied a seat at UEFA’s top table, predominantly the property of men.

Klaveness wanted to make history by becoming the first woman in UEFA history to sit on the executive committee by defeating male candidates in an election, but she fell well short in a secret ballot.

She never really stood a chance but now, the outspoken 43-year-old, a staunch and outspoken campaigner for human rights and player welfare, is trying again but this time for one of the two seats reserved for women.

The election takes place at the UEFA Congress in Belgrade on April 3.

Klaveness has an extensive background that includes playing for her country, practicing law and serving as a judge. If elected, she aims to emphasise the protection of players’ physical and mental health, but will she get over the line?

Before the Qatar 2022 World Cup at the FIFA Congress Klaveness bravely went before the congress calling out Qatar and its human rights record. More recently she has criticised FIFA over the lack of basic governance in the process of awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia (though has not directly attacked Saudi Arabia’s human rights record). It is a subtle change of approach that has been not gone unnoticed or unappreciated by a significant number of influential UEFA decision makers. In the past she has accused FIFA boss Gianni Infantino of a lack of seriousness over reforms.

“The time is right for me,” she said in a statement on Tuesday. “In recent years, I have travelled all over Europe to better understand the dynamics of international football.

“My passion for the sport, which I have loved since childhood, has given me a strong motivation to work hard and use my experience to make a difference.”

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