June 20 – Aivar Pohlak has been re-elected as the president of the Estonian FA, defeating former Liverpool player Ragnar Klavan.
On Thursday, Pohlak, a long-time powerbroker in the Baltic nation’s game, won a vote 68-34 to retain the top position in Estonian football. His opponent, Klavan, had campaigned around the county on a ticket of change, but fell short.
After maintaining months of silence, Pohlak said: “It was very clear that there was an attempt to split the football community on the basis of negativism. I want to be the president of the entire football community and I don’t want to go along with the political tactics of being enemies.”
Pohlak has downplayed the notion that the Estonian football community is more divided than ever. Klavan’s campaign ticket was simple: transform Estonian football. He previously served as a board member of the Estonian FA for several months before he stepped down in January because of what he considered a poor governance culture.
“Naive dreamer that I am, I wish the best for Estonian football,” said Klavan. “This is not the end of the journey. This is definitely the beginning of something in Estonian football. We will continue to develop Estonian football with those clubs that supported us and believed in us. This race will continue. Together with everyone.”
Estonian FA president since 2007, Pohlak has been one of the longest-serving officials in the game and very powerful at home. Previously, he served as president of Flora Tallinn. He is the chairman of Sport & Net Grupp. Abroad, he was a member of FIFA’s ethics committee. Earlier this year, Pohlak won a seat on the UEFA executive committee.
Pohlak is not without controversy. His former wife accused him of domestic violence. A criminal investigation, with Pohlak at the heart, is underway into possible anti-competitive agreements between Estonian clubs.
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