After eleven years as president of the Swedish Football Association, Karl-Erik Nilsson, 65, will step down in March next year.
A few months later, Björn Eriksson steps down as president of the Swedish Sports Confederation, RF and lately there have been rumors that Nilsson is running for the new president of the RF. Now SVT Sport can reveal that it’s true.
– I have decided that I will run for the presidency of the National Sports Confederation, after much thought and contact with many specialized sports associations who have asked me to think, says Karl-Erik Nilsson to SVT Sport.
The support of the trade unions was fundamental
Nilsson made the decision after talking to his family. But what made the decision was the support he received from several special sports associations.
– Of course, I’ve talked to my wife and four children, who all think it’s good that I have something meaningful to do. But what was decisive was the support I received, especially in the last few months. When I said I would consider it, the president of a number of associations got in touch.
In May 2021 The Swedish Football Association, SvFF, has threatened to leave the Swedish Sports Confederation after the approval of a proposal for a grant ceiling. The SvFF estimated that the grant ceiling would lead to a reduction in revenue of up to SEK 30 million.
“Let’s put these questions behind us”
But the removal of the contribution cap is not something Nilsson will attach importance to if he becomes the new RF chairman.
– It was a difficult period, but we seem to have put these problems behind us. Football scores clearly and the question is proven. With that process, the matter is history, Nilsson says and adds:
– In the role of President RF, you must listen to all associations and do what is convenient for everyone. The ambition must be that everyone wants to be a part of RF and that there is something for everyone.
31/12 is the last day to propose candidates for president and board member of the National Sports Confederation. The selection committee then presents its proposals just over a month before the National Sports Assembly, which will take place at the end of May 2023.
