The UEC Executive Board has elected Ovidiu Costeșin, General Director of Romanian champions Universitatea Craiova, as the organisation’s new President, succeeding Alex Muzio. Costeșin pledged to build on the UEC’s progress, strengthen its role in European football and promote fair, transparent and consistent governance that gives clubs of all sizes a meaningful voice. The Executive Board praised Muzio for expanding the UEC’s membership, developing its policy platform and establishing the organisation as a respected representative of independent clubs across Europe.
Brussels, 10th July, 2026
The Executive Board of the Union of European Clubs (UEC) yesterday elected Ovidiu Costeșin, General Director of Romanian champion Universitatea Craiova, as the organisation's new President.
Costeșin, who helped lead Universitatea Craiova to the Romanian league title and UEFA Champions League qualifying for next season, becomes the second President in the history of the Union of European Clubs, following in the footsteps of former president Alex Muzio.
Since being appointed General Director of Universitatea Craiova in 2017, Costeșin has overseen one of the most successful periods in the club's recent history, helping establish the club among Romania's leading football organisations. His experience in football administration and his long-standing commitment to strengthening the position of clubs from every level of European football make him well placed to lead the UEC into its next stage of development.
Costeșin’s election follows the decision of Alex Muzio to step down as President having assumed office in early 2024.
During his presidency, Muzio played a pivotal role in shaping the Union of European Clubs into a recognised and respected voice for independent clubs across Europe. Under his leadership, the UEC significantly expanded its membership, developed a comprehensive policy framework to represent the interests of clubs, and established itself as an influential stakeholder within European football.
Alex’s vision, leadership and tireless commitment have laid the foundations for the organisation's continued growth and long-term success, and the Executive Board expressed its appreciation for his outstanding contribution to the development of the UEC and for the lasting legacy he leaves as the organisation enters its next phase.
UEC President Ovidiu Costeșin said:
"I am deeply honoured by the trust that the Executive Board has placed in me by electing me as President of the Union of European Clubs. It is both a privilege and a great responsibility to lead an organisation that has become such an important voice for clubs of all dimensions across Europe.
"I look forward to working closely with our members and football stakeholders to build on that progress. Together, we will continue to strengthen the UEC's role, develop new initiatives and ensure that the interests of clubs of all sizes and sporting ambitions remain at the heart of European football.
"Now more than ever, football needs governance that is fair, transparent and consistent and which takes fully into account the impact of decisions on the entire pyramid. This means that all stakeholders should be given a voice, without favour or prejudice to entrenched power or vested interests.
"I am convinced that the best years of European football and the Union of European Clubs lie ahead, and I am excited to begin this new chapter together with all of our members.
"Finally, I would like to thank Alex Muzio for his exceptional leadership and dedication in building the UEC over the past years. Thanks to Alex’s vision and the collective efforts of our Executive Board and member clubs, the organisation has developed into a respected, credible and influential representative of the wider European club community.
Departing UEC president Alex Muzio said:
"It has been a genuine privilege to serve as President of the Union of European Clubs, and I would like to thank every member club and each colleague on the Executive Board for the trust, support and commitment they have shown throughout this journey.
"What we have built over the past two years provides an incredibly strong foundation for the future. The UEC is stronger, more influential and more united than ever before, and its role in representing clubs across Europe remains as important as ever.
"Leadership roles come and go, but the mission of the UEC remains the same. The policies we have developed and the values that unite our clubs will continue to guide the organisation as it enters its next chapter. I leave the presidency proud of what we have achieved together to date, and confident that the influence and contribution of the UEC will grow in the coming period."
